FLORENCE, SC (WBTW)- Today, The Salvation Army in Florence distributed gifts for hundreds of needy families in the Pee Dee, and organizers say the angel tree process wasn’t easy this year.
The Salvation Army helped to provide gifts for over 700 needy children this Christmas, according to Major Lynda Thornhill.
“We’re just like Santa, we make a list and we check it twice to make sure that every child in that family is receiving something for Christmas,” said Thornhill.
In checking that list, leaders found 115 children were taken from the angel tree, but people didn’t deliver the gifts they promised.
“You can’t just give a family one bag for one child and say oh I’m sorry your other child wasn’t adopted,” said Thornhill.
That’s why The Salvation Army decided to foot the bill of more than $30,000 to pay for those gifts not returned this Christmas.
Thirteen-year-old Micaela Muldrow spent the day Monday volunteering because she says she recognizes the commitment made to the needy children.
“The people there, they’re so thankful that you do it for them, and I mean, it’s just their happiness spreads,” said Muldrow.
Now, The Salvation Army is asking for your help in spreading some of that happiness by donating, to help offset the cost of the gifts they had to purchase.
If you would like to donate money to The Salvation Army, you can stop by their office located at 2210 Hoffmeyer Road in Florence.
The Salvation Army will have an emergency assistance give-a-way tomorrow morning for families who still need assistance this Christmas but weren’t able to meet the deadline for the angel tree.
That will be held at 1609 South Irby Street in Florence at 9:00 am. Gifts will be given on a first come, first served basis while supplies last. Parents are asked to bring a photo ID and a birth certificate or social security card for their child.
