The Salvation Army and WOOD TV8 are starting the 31st year of their Angel Tree Toy Drive today by asking those in West Michigan to sign up to host either an in-person or an online Angel Tree. Anyone – including businesses, churches and service organizations – that wants to help local children have a merry Christmas can register to become a host site.
Acknowledging that store foot traffic and in-office business attendance may look differently due to the pandemic, new this year is the option for organizations to host an online Angel Tree. A digital parallel to how in-person Angel Trees operate, a virtual tree will permit donors to access The Salvation Army’s wish list to shop online for a local child.
To sign up to host an Angel Tree or for more information, visit salarmy.us/AngelTree.
The Salvation Army and WOOD TV8 are encouraging 600 sites to register in order to serve local children this holiday season across the West Michigan region, which includes Alma, Battle Creek, Benton Harbor, Grand Haven, Grand Rapids, Holland, Kalamazoo, Muskegon and Sturgis. During the Christmas season in 2020, The Salvation Army served almost 30,000 individuals across West Michigan and distributed nearly 55,000 toys. The Salvation Army is anticipating the need this year to again be elevated.
“We are very thankful for WOOD TV8’s longstanding support and help in making sure we are able to come alongside local children and families who need it during the holiday season,” said Major Glen Caddy, Divisional Commander. “We are excited about the online option this year and we encourage those who are in a position to host an Angel Tree, to please consider the difference it makes in our community.”
Over the last 30 years, the partnership between The Salvation Army and WOOD TV8 has resulted in over half a million West Michigan children receiving toys on Christmas morning who otherwise would have gone without.
“A smile and the feeling of joy on Christmas morning are what the Angel Tree Toy Drive has been able to deliver for three decades,” WOOD TV8 Community Affairs Director Casey Jones said. “We are grateful to be a part of a community where organizations like The Salvation Army and other participating businesses find new ways to take it upon themselves and provide that feeling to kids and families each year.”
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