What Do Needy Children Want for Christmas this Year? Check the Tag
Three year old Allie Chavez is happy to give donations to The Salvation Army’s Giving Tree Program. Photo by Paul Martinez.
The Salvation Army has served the San Bernardino Area Since 1887
(San Bernardino, CA) It might seem like a very small gesture in the grand scheme of things, but when the local Salvation Army Corps (www.salvationarmyusa.org), local residents and several businesses join forces to make the Christmass season memorable for needy children, it makes a huge difference in so many lives with tags.
“Just pick up a Giving Tree tag and buy a needy child the gift listed on the tag! The Giving Tree matches donors with hundreds of children who are relying on The Salvation Army this year to bring them a Merry Christmas,” said Daniel Henderson, Corps officer for the San Bernardino Salvation Army.
The San Bernardino Area Tree is at Inland Center Mall in San Bernardino. It helps the San Bernardino Salvation Army Corps provide toys to children of 600 disadvantaged families in San Bernardino, Rialto, Highland, Grand Terrace, Colton, Muscoy and Bloomington.
“You can support our Giving Tree by visiting our table in the Inland Center Mall from November 29th to December 24th,” said Major Henderson.
Shoppers wishing to participate in the Giving Tree will find cards attached to the Giving Tree. These cards include the names and wish lists of needy children whose families cannot afford to buy gifts. Shoppers simply pluck a tag off the Giving Tree and head for the appropriate store to purchase their gift donations. Shoppers keep the card as an ornament to hang on their own Christmas tree, reminding them of their good deed.
José Gonzalez is a first time volunteer with The Salvation Army, and chose to help the Giving Tree Program at the Inland Center Mall this year. “It feels good to be volunteering and collecting toys for kids this Christmas,” said Gonzalez. Photo by Paul Martinez.
Larry Rangal, of Highland, donated two toys to the Giving Tree Program. Charity has been an ongoing tradition for Rangal since marrying his wife more than 21 years ago.
“This is one of our little quirks. Now that our kids are grown-up and out of the house, we thought we’d provide toys for other children,” said Rangal. “It makes you feel good too.”
Jill Grace, of Highland, was shopping with 3-year-old Allie Chavez when she noticed the Giving Tree and decided to donate two large bags with about 10 toys. “These children are not asking for much,” said Grace. “What child asks for Monopoly, especially nowadays.”
Grace became involved with The Salvation Army more than a decade ago, during the September 11th tragedy. “I have always been a giving person, and I thought to myself ‘how can I help’,” said Grace. By volunteering with The Salvation Army, Grace was able to provide that help. “Me and my husband helped The Salvation Army serve meals to the workers at Ground Zero,” said Grace.
“This is a great way to start a tradition with your own family, by selecting a gift for a needy child together. The gifts are based on their individual wishes and for some children, it may be the only gift they receive all year,” said Major Henderson.
To share Christmas joy with a deserving child, come to Inland Center Mall and select a tag indicating a child’s age, sex and gift preference. Or find and order a gift for a local child online at jcp.com/angel. Photo by Carl Dameron
The Salvation Army is looking for other business owners and managers who would like to have a tree at their place of business for employees and/or customers.
To host a Giving Tree in San Bernardino, Colton, Grand Terrace, Rialto, Bloomington, Muscoy or Highland, call (909) 888-1336.
The Riverside Salvation Army Angel Program collects toys for needy kids this Christmas. Toys are collected at The Riverside Salvation Army office located at 3695 1st St., Riverside, CA 92501. To make a donation please call (951) 784-4490, Ext. 100.
Arlene and Priscilla Delgado, ages 4 and 8, each used their savings to purchase Christmas toys for a less fortunate child through the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corp’s Giving Tree program at Inland Center Mall. Help the Salvation Army obtain more toys for children in need by going to the Giving Tree near the mall’s Food Court. Photo by Kelly Silvestri-Raabe
The Moreno Valley Salvation Army collects toy donations through its Angel Tree program. The Angel Tree is located at the Moreno Valley Mall, 22500 Town Circle Suite 1206, Moreno Valley, CA 92553. Toys are collected until December 22nd, Monday through Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and all day on Saturday. For more information call (951) 653-9131.
The Victor Valley Salvation Army collects toy donations at its office located at 14585 La Paz Drive, Victorville, CA 92395. To make a donation please call (760) 245-2545.
The Ontario Salvation Army collects toys at its office located at 1412 South Euclid Ave., Ontario, CA 91762. To make a donation please call (909) 986-6748.
About The Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps
The Salvation Army may be able to provide emergency services including food; lodging for homeless or displaced families; clothing and furniture; assistance with rent or mortgage and transportation when funds are available. The Salvation Army Team Emergency Radio Network (SATERN) assists rescue workers and evacuees in such disasters as fires.
The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church, and also offering holistic programs for people of all ages. One of the largest charitable and international service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1887, supporting those in need without discrimination. The San Bernardino Corps of The Salvation Army serves Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Rialto, and San Bernardino. Donations may always be made online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY. Our local number is (909) 888-1336.
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SVA-PR-728 GIVING TREES
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