Along with the familiar Red Kettles, The Salvation Army of Savannah (TSA) is launching their annual Angel Tree program, one of their highest profile Christmas efforts. Less fortunate children throughout the greater Savannah community are registered as an angel and will be provided with Christmas gifts and food. 

The Angel Tree program is designed to determine and fulfill the Christmas wishes and needs of local children. Donors in the greater Savannah area have the opportunity to “adopt” each of these “Angels” with gifts chosen for that specific child. Gifts are then distributed to parents and families in time for Christmas. Adopted Angels receive more than just toys, though. They also receive essential items like food, clothing, winter gear, shoes, diapers, and bedding.

The economic fallout of the ongoing health crisis has led to a new population of families and individuals facing unemployment and financial hardships that are expected to last through the holidays and well into the coming year. A recent study by Columbia University showed that nearly 8 million Americans have fallen into poverty since May. As a result, The Salvation Army expects to serve up to 155 percent more people through their holiday assistance programs this year, making fundraising efforts critical. With so many children enrolled through their Angel Tree program, The Salvation Army is counting on additional groups to adopt large numbers of Angels. 

Here are all of the ways to get involved in Angel Tree: 

• Get your group involved: Local businesses, organizations, civic groups, churches, clubs, and companies are invited to adopt large groups of Angels through a Corporate Adoption process. 

• Adopt an Angel: Because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, The Salvation Army has taken to a more “contactless” approach this holiday season to allow for the recommended safety precautions. Participants can Adopt an Angel online at www.tsamm.org/angeltree.

• Shop Online: The Salvation Army is pleased to partner with Walmart for an Angel Tree Registry. Those who prefer to do their shopping online can visit www.bit.ly/TSAWalmartRegistry. A generous gift through this registry will bring joy to a local child and help TSA Rescue Christmas. Toys purchased through this site are given to those angels who have not been adopted.

• Make a donation: If you don’t have time to shop, you can still give via the online donation platform at www.RedKettleSAV.givesmart.com or by texting “RedKettleSAV” to 76278.

• Volunteer: As you can imagine, it will take hundreds of volunteers to ‘Rescue Christmas.’ Sign up to volunteer through the user-friendly website and select a time and location at www.registertoring.com.

“This year due to COVID-19, more people than ever in our community are struggling to make ends meet. The Angel Tree program helps families in need by providing new clothing, toys, and food to over 1,600 families and 2,700 children,” said The Salvation Army of Savannah’s Major Paul Egan. “To help meet the unprecedented level of need this holiday season, we have made it even easier for people to help others this Christmas. We encourage community members to adopt a child online or shop the Walmart registry. This year, as we continue to meet the high level of need, we’re particularly grateful for all donations and gifts so families will have a blessed Christmas.”

The Salvation Army has served greater Savannah for the past 120 years and has always supported the most vulnerable in our community. Whether the community is affected by COVID-19, hurricanes, floods, fires or the Spanish influenza that impacted the world over a century ago, The Salvation Army continues to serve those who need it the most.

For more information about TSA, please visit www.salvationarmygeorgia.org/savannah/ or call 912-200-3004.