Angel Tree program in dire need

Lebanon Corp Salvation Army sends out plea to keep love beyond Christmas

I know that during this time of need, we can count on the Lebanon community to help us bring hope to these people who are struggling to keep it together for themselves and for their families
Capt. Marlon Rodriguez, Corps Officer for The Salvation Army of Lebanon

The Lebanon Corp of the Salvation Army is asking small businesses and churches in Lebanon to join in the mission to extend this holiday season through the Angel Tree program. Currently there are over 500 families in need of Angels.

According to the Captains Ivonne and Marlon Rodriguez, individuals request a tag from the Salvation Army of Lebanon or visit a participating business or church to pick up a tag, shop for a specific child in need based on the requested item(s) on the tag, and return the gifts back to The Salvation Army of Lebanon. The Salvation Army will then distribute those gifts to the respective families. Local businesses participating in the Angel Tree program include the Dutch Valley Food Inc., the Lebanon School District and Hershey Medical Hospital, among others.

“We are grateful for the support of our local businesses and churches and we do need your help,” said Capt. Ivonne Rodriguez, Corps Officer of the Salvation Army of Lebanon. “Without their support, we wouldn’t be able to serve the children of our community who deserve to have a Wonderful Christmas.”

Another variation of the Angel Tree program which will be offered for the Lebanon community is Adopt-a-Family, where participants can choose to “adopt” an entire family and purchase gifts for them, as well as provide groceries for a special Christmas Day Meal. In addition to make life easier during the hectic holidays, you can purchase gifts via the Salvation Army of Lebanon’s Walmart Registry For Good. If you don’t know what to pick from the registry, you can purchase a Walmart Gift Card from the registry, which The Salvation Army staff will use to shop for gifts for the children and families in need.

All collected gifts will be distributed to families in December. With the community’s support, The Salvation Army of Lebanon expects to serve over 600 families/900 children this year, compared to 500 families/680 children who were served last year. Currently, 505 families need a Guardian Angel to help.

“Today more than ever, we need your help,” said Capt. Rodriguez. “Let’s ‘Love Beyond Christmas’ together.”