Salvation Army Angel Tree officially underway in Elizabethton
Published 4:57 pm Sunday, November 19, 2017
Star Photo/Curtis Carden Abby Bryan places an angel ornament on a Christmas tree.
Star Photo/Curtis Carden Representatives from the Salvation Army, Wal-Mart and Elizabethton High School students helped usher in a new year of the Angel Tree program with a kickoff event Friday at Wal-Mart. Pictured, attendees are all smiles following the cutting of the ceremonial ribbon.
Star Photo/Curtis Carden Elizabethton High School's National Honor Society and Key Club was represented during Friday's event. Pictured, from left, are John Tapp, Abby Bryan, Hannah Roaten, Cayden Davison, Kaylee Bowers and Jake Hensley.
Star Photo/Curtis Carden Jake Hensley, Kaylee Bowers and Cayden Davison put the final touches on ornaments.
Little “angels” across the region are in need of a bright and joyful Christmas, and opportunities are now available to make these holiday dreams a reality.
Representatives from the Salvation Army joined with Wal-Mart associates and Elizabethton High School students to usher in another season of the Angel Tree program Friday with a kickoff ceremony in Elizabethton.
“This is our most exciting time of the year of where we’re able to give back to the community and help children who need Christmas,” said Capt. Laura Cox with the Salvation Army. “We kicked off the program last night at the Mall in Johnson City but today our primary focus is Elizabethton.”
Elizabethton and Carter County make up nearly half of the “angels” in the region. Cox indicated there are 1,234 total angels in the region with 634 being from the Elizabethton and Carter County area.
In the coming days, individuals are encouraged to either visit the Mall, Wal-Mart or the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library to adopt an angel from the tree. Once an angel is picked from the tree, the purchaser buys the toy, anonymous, which in turn will be delivered to the children for the holidays.
Excitement filled the air, and that tends to be the case when working with Elizabethton’s Wal-Mart, Cox said.
“Any time we come to Elizabethton, they’re willing to bend themselves backwards to help,” she said. “Whether it’s for the toy or clothing drives. The Carter County Car Club also helps during this time of the year and Wal-Mart opens up a register so they can buy toys. We appreciate their help.”
And the youth of the community was also out in full force. Elizabethton High School’s John Tapp, Hannah Roaten, Abby Bryan, Jake Hensley, Cayden Davison and Kaylee Bowers were in attendance representing the National Honor Society and Elizabethton Key Club.
Following the initial ceremony, students flocked to different trees in the store to help place names.
“We were excited to see local teenagers help,” Cox said with a smile.
The Salvation Army delves into a variety of holiday-themed activities to help in the region. Individuals wanting to get involved in other projects, along with the angel tree, can contact the Johnson City office at (423) 926-2101.
