While you shop, remember those in need

Posted: 11.24.2010 at 9:53 PM

The Christmas shopping season is now upon us, and as you browse the stores for great deals to put under the tree this year, know that there are thousands of children in the Panhandle that will wake up Christmas morning without a single gift. But you can help.
AMARILLO, TEXA -- The Salvation Army's Angel Tree program is currently up and running in the center court of Westgate Mall in Amarillo. Last year, the program gave out gifts to more than 1,500 children, but this year the need is even greater.
"We have 1,700 right now but we're still collecting applications. We may have as many as 2,000 this year," said Major Tim Grider of the Salvation Army.
Even with the 1,700 applications so far, this is the largest number of Angels the organization has ever seen.
"Last year we had 1,500, which was the most we had from the year before," said Grider.
He attributes the increase to the growing number of families that move to Amarillo from other states to look for employment. According to Grider, those families make up 48 percent of those in need of their services, that's up from just 5% last year.
There are a couple of ways you can help out with the Angel Tree project this year.
Go to Westgate Mall and pick an Angel from the tree in center court, or for those who prefer online shopping there are a couple of retailer websites that are participating in the Online Angel Tree program.
On JCPenny's website, you can type in your zip code and choose a needy child in your area and shop for them immediately.
The Angel Tree program in Amarillo runs from November 19th through December 10th, and online through December 15th.
Gifts need to be returned to the Angel Tree display in Westgate Mall by December 11th, but if you can't make it by then don't worry. Major Grider said they will be taking gifts up until they deliver the goods on December 18th. Just drop them off at the Salvation Army at 400 S. Harrison during regular business hours.
You can also make secure monetary donations online at www.salvationarmytexas.org, or by calling 1-800-SAL-ARMY.