Some kids might get nothing under the Christmas tree. Seeking 'angels' to prevent that.
Becky Reynolds is seeking perfect angels for the upcoming holiday season.
Reynolds, director of the Salvation Army of Ocala’s Center of Hope, is overseeing the annual Angel Tree program, which distributes “wished for and needed” items like toys and clothes for area kids 12 and younger for Christmas.
Families expecting a child before Dec. 31 may also qualify for this year’s program.
The longtime program, open to qualified families in Marion County, brightened the holidays for 972 kids in 456 local families last year.
Reynolds said (as of Sept. 25) that this year's program had openings for about 400 additional Angel Tree recipient children. Families must apply and qualify for those openings by Sept. 29.
She reports that donors “always” step up to cover the children.
Donors, known as "perfect angels," select tags with a code identifying a needy child from Angel Trees, which will be placed in the Paddock Mall on Nov. 2 and at a date to be announced in Mojo’s restaurants, the Wing House on East Silver Springs Boulevard and county offices.
Donors then take the unwrapped items matching the tags to the Salvation Army Administrative Offices at 2901 NE 14th St., Ocala, by Dec. 9.
The Salvation Army suggests donors may also provide a full school outfit, shoes, and two or three age-appropriate toys.
Reynolds said what the kids ask for often reveals the severity of the family’s need.
“You can tell by what (the children) request (that) they are in need,” Reynolds said.
Reynolds said kids have wished for any gift and also requested “blankets, pajamas, pillows, basic things we take for granted.”
Reynolds said basketballs and footballs are commonly requested items, and children have also wished for items like chemistry sets and microscopes.
Reynolds indicated families who qualify for the Angel Tree program will also be qualified for Thanksgiving and Christmas meal programs.
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Venus Ratter, Becky Tyner, Denisse Negron Mora and Patricia Lane are all part of the Salvation Army team handling the program this year.
At least one program worker said they are seeing more blended families and children cared for by grandparents or other family members.
“The parents (of gift recipients) get emotional and they are very thankful,” Ratter said.
For more information or to inquire about qualifying for the Salvation Army Angel Tree program, call (352) 732-8326.
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Angel Tree program makes sure every kid has a gift under the tree
