Patty McMillan loads a buggy with an adopted angel’s gifts during The Salvation Army Angel Tree distribution Thursday at Uptown Meridian. Photo by Thomas Howard

Around 300 local children will wake up to presents under the Christmas tree Wednesday after The Salvation Army of Meridian held its annual Angel Tree distribution at Uptown Meridian.

 

Each year, hundreds of children register for the holiday program, which aims to provide clothing, toys and gifts to families who otherwise may not be able to afford them. Lt. Roy Fisher, commanding officer of The Salvation Army of Meridian, said the number of children registered this year is lower than what the organization has seen in previously. The program saw fewer applications and fewer people show up for appointments to sign up, he said.

 

“Last year we had 603 seniors and kids,” he said. “This year, we chose not to do seniors, but we’ve only got about 300 kids.”

 

Thursday’s distribution for Lauderdale County residents follows distribution for residents in Newton County on Tuesday and Neshoba County on Thursday, Fisher said. With all of the gifts tabulated, he said the organization had just 44 angels that were not provided for. Fortunately, he said, there were additional gifts that were able to cover all 44, leaving no child without a gift for Christmas.

 

“Every child that did apply is taken care of,” he said. “And that’s a traditional thing that we do.”

 

While Thursday’s distribution marks the end of the Angel Tree program for this year, The Salvation Army’s other big holiday program is still ongoing. The Red Kettle Campaign, which is the the organization’s largest fundraiser, is set to run through 2 p.m. Tuesday raising money that will help drive programs and initiatives for those in need throughout the next year.

 

Fisher said this year’s Red Kettle Campaign has seen an overwhelming volunteer response, but there are a still few more days for residents to get involved. Volunteer opportunities can be found at registertoring.com, he said.

 

“If they still want to ring, they can go in and volunteer for that,” he said.

 

Overall, Fisher said, this holiday season has seen a good response with both volunteers and the Angel Tree program, and he wants to thank the community for its support. With the Angel Tree program specifically, he said, local residents can be the difference between a child waking up to gifts under the Christmas tree or going without.

 

“I just want to make sure and thank the community for their support throughout the year and especially during the holidays, and especially with the Angel Tree program,” he said. “Getting these kids something ensures that they have something, because otherwise, they may not.”

 

To learn more about The Salvation Army, its programs or how to get involved, visit southernusa.salvationarmy.org/ala-lou-mis/meridian.