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Released 21 November 2011
Nashville, TN - The Salvation Army Nashville Area Command accepted 17,000 individual requests for Angel Tree assistance during the month of October, an unprecedented number of requests which sets the record for the largest number ever in the history of the Nashville Angel Tree program.
Lt. Colonel White, Area Commander of The Salvation Army in Nashville explains, "We are facing a significant challenge this year with requests for Angel Tree assistance up 26% from last year due to the economy and unemployment."
According to U.S. Census Bureau reports, poverty in the United States has reached a 17-year high in 2010. In a recent article published by The Contributor, Tam Gordon, Special Assistant to Mayor Karl Dean, acknowledges that the Census Bureau's recent report reflects a national reality that has not left Middle Tennessee unscathed.
At the Salvation Army's Christmas kick off earlier this month, Ralph Schulz, President and CEO of the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and Salvation Army Advisory Board member, explained that he is privileged to lead the Chamber in a region that is recognized and admired for its growing prosperity, but the rising rate of childhood poverty in our city presents a challenge as we continue to strengthen our community and create opportunities for economic prosperity for all.
Pam Singley, Director of Emergency Services for The Salvation Army, shares that the Emergency Services Hotline receives more than 2,000 monthly requests for assistance with food boxes, rent and utilities. "With all the requests for assistance that we receive, we are only able to assist 268 cases and then we provide referrals to other agencies."
The Salvation Army Christmas fund raising efforts through the iconic Red Kettles and Angel Tree program will not only provide 17,000 individuals a joyful Christmas with gifts of clothes, toys and food from the Angel Tree program, but also will allow the organization to provide holiday meals to approximately 500 people, Christmas parties for children living in the Center of Hope, as well as housing and emergency assistance to families in need throughout the year.
Schulz offered, "I am convinced based on my observations as an Advisory Board member, that The Salvation Army's mission and competencies are among the city's best solutions to poverty, given some time and resources. Our community needs to step up to the plate to help the least of these."
Families and individuals that registered for Angel Tree assistance are now up for adoption at the Angel Tree booths located in the RiverGate Mall, The Mall at Green Hills, Cool Springs Galleria and Hickory Hollow. Shoppers are invited to stop by our booths to "adopt an angel" for Christmas and make the holidays brighter for a child or senior citizen. All gifts must be returned by December 3rd. Distribution of the Angel Tree gifts will take place December 16, 19, 20, and 21st.
As of today, approximately 5,746 angels have been adopted.
For more information on supporting The Salvation Army Angel Tree program this Christmas, please see below opportunities. You may also contact, Jennifer Eldridge, Director of Marketing for The Salvation Army at 615-242-0411.
If you would like to volunteer your time to assist with registering families, manning an Angel Tree booth in the malls or working in the Angel Tree warehouse, please contact Misty Ratcliff at 615-416-3175 or email Misty_Ratcliff@uss.salvationarmy.org
Follow our updates on Twitter (@SalArmy), Facebook (The Salvation Army - Nashville), or on our blog at www.salarmynashville.wordpress.com.
JCPenney ‘Angel Giving Tree' Adoptions Online:
The Salvation Army and JCPenney have joined forces again this holiday season to give joy to even more children and seniors in need by offering an online option to adopt angels.
In a few easy steps, customers can visit jcp.com/angel to request an Angel by zip code, city/state, age range and gender. An Angel who matches the criteria will be e-mailed to the customer along with a list of requested items. The confirmation e-mail will also include a link to view drop-off locations in the recipient's area and ship-to addresses for online orders. The Angel Giving Tree online program allows customers to shop for an Angel online at jcp.com, in JCPenney stores or at any retailer they choose.
Angels on the Air:
Mix 92.9 and Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis LLP present "Angels on the Air" this holiday season. While listening to Mix 92.9 FM folks will have the opportunity to call in and adopt angels starting November 15th. The morning crew - Anna, Kim and Clint- in addition to their other around-the-clock DJ's - will daily read several specific angels' needs on air so that loyal listeners will have opportunity to adopt over 800 angels this year. Call in to 615-737-0929 or visit Mix 92.9's webpage at www.mix929.com.
Kroger Food Angels:
Kroger and WSMV - Channel 4 have partnered to bring The Salvation Army Food Angel program. This holiday season while you are shopping in Kroger, be sure to pick up a Kroger Food Angel off the tree, located in front of the stores. You can provide a holiday dinner for an Angel Tree Family by simply taking a Food Angel tag to the cash register. The cashier will scan and $25.00 will be added to your grocery bill. Know that the $25.00 goes to a family in the form of a Kroger Gift card valued at $25.00 which can provide several meals for a family this holiday.
Forgotten Angel Tree:
The Salvation Army Nashville Area Command has partnered with Daily's Convenience Stores, 103.3 WKDF, 104.5 The Zone and LAMAR Outdoor Advertising to bring our Holiday Angel Tree Assistance program a Forgotten Angels Shop. Of the 15,000 angels expected to register for Angel Tree, as many as 5,000 may end up un-adopted. To ensure that each special angel receives Christmas assistance, we have created a forgotten angels shop. Look for our 'Forgotten Angel' trees in all Daily's Markets.
Toy Field:
On Wednesday, December 7th, 2010, Daily's Markets, radio stations 103.3 WKDF and 104.5 The Zone will host a Toy Field for their listeners at LP Field. Listeners are invited to drop off toys to help us fill up the end zone at the Titans stadium, grab a Daily's coffee and food, and win some prizes. All toys collected will go to our Forgotten Angel shop.
Bridge to Bridge Family Walk/Run to benefit Angel Tree:
I Run for the Party Event Management and The Salvation Army are challenging the community to "Run For An Angel" on December 3rd and make a difference in the lives of children all over the city. Participants will register through the Nashville Sports Council and then have an opportunity to adopt an Angel for a suggested $50 donation or fund-raise allowing friends and family to support their mission. Teams and corporations are encouraged to participate and fund-raise together. Please visit www.IRunfortheParty.com to register and fund-raise.
Angel Tree Distribution:
Angel Tree distribution will take place December 16th, 19th and 20th, where 85 families every half hour will come to the Angel Tree Warehouse, located at 700 Cowan Street, Nashville, to pick up their holiday gifts between 9:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Adopt a Family pickups will be held on December 21st from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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About Angel Tree
Angel Tree gives individuals and partnering corporations an opportunity to adopt less fortunate children and seniors and provide personalized gifts and necessities to those who would otherwise receive very little or nothing during the holiday season. Donors can be confident that their gifts go directly, and without excessive overhead, to those who are truly needy since all Salvation Army Angels are not served by other holiday assistance programs.
In 1979, Angel Tree was created by Salvation Army Officers Captains Charles and Shirley White in Lynchburg, Virginia. Lieutenant Colonels Charles and Shirley White Currently serve as Area Commanders in Nashville.
About the Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 128 years in the United States. Nearly 29 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services in 5,000 communities that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. Visit us on-line to learn more or to make a donation. www.salvationarmyusa.org.