Annual giving tree returns for the holidays

Published 6:41 am Friday, November 27, 2009

The Salvation Army is asking for a few more angels this year.

Their annual Angel Giving Tree holiday project is underway. Through Dec. 18, the public can adopt a child in need from the holiday tree in Oak Park Mall and buy gifts for them.

Angel-shaped paper ornaments on the tree list the child’s age, gender and what they need or would like for Christmas.

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“We have over 500 families signed up for Christmas services,” Salvation Army case worker Lori Blanton said.

Christmas services include gifts and also a basket filled with food for a holiday dinner.

Toys can also be donated at various drop-off locations in Austin. The Salvation Army gives these gifts to children who do not get adopted from the tree.

Blanton said they try to match the gifts up with children who have asked for similar items. They try to give each child $50 worth of new gifts.

People can also adopt and shop online for angels at www.jcp.com/angel through Dec. 14. On the site customers can request a child by location, age range and gender.

Angel Giving Tree gifts purchased through jcp.com can be shipped free of charge to any one of the 1,200 Salvation Army collection centers nationwide.

Toy Drop-Off Locations Include:

Oak Park Mall

1301 18 Ave. NW

Austin Daily Herald

310 Second St. NE

The Cedars of Austin

700 First Drive NW

Accentra Credit Union

400 Fourth Ave. NE

Salvation Army

209 Fourth St. NE