Community comes together to prep for Angel Tree distribution day

SALISBURY, Md. – At 1PM, the Salvation Army gymnasium was empty. By 2PM, it was slowly filling up with hundreds of Christmas gifts that’ll be given to families in need.

“We adopt children through our Angel Tree Program,” said Salvation Army Captain, Angel Simmons. “Different companies and organizations get together and adopt those children, so today they’ll be bringing two trailers full of toys and bikes for those kids.”

Clothes, toys and bikes are just some of the items that were dropped off by perdue.

“Many families struggle to make ends meet,” Simmons said.

With some facing uncertainty this holiday, Simmons said this resource can make a world of difference for families on Christmas morning.

“Knowing that they don’t have to worry about what they’re going to give their kids for Christmas is truly a blessing,” Simmons said.

While the days are long leading up to distribution day on December 19th, volunteer, Willie Downing, said it’s all worth it.

“It’s hard work; it’s long most of the days, but when you see the parent light up when they get something they couldn’t have gotten, that’s the important part,” Downing said.

And for first time volunteers like Zamira Kornegay, it’s a chance to give the gift of giving.

“There’s a lot of children when Christmas time comes around, feeling like they don’t have enough. So, I’m glad that I can give back to the community,” Kornegay said.