More 'Angels' in need this Christmas

Salvation Army representatives hope the third deadline is the charm to turn in Angel Tree gifts for families in need this Christmas.

Cathy Southard, social services case worker for the Salvation Army of Hernando County, said the deadline for all individuals and groups to turn in gifts is Friday, Dec. 18.

On Monday, Dec. 21, Salvation Army representatives will be distributing gifts to families. Monday is also the first day of winter. With the downturn in the economy, it has been a particularly difficult year for many families, with about 100 more participating in the program this holiday season.

"The families who used to give to us in the past are now the ones asking us for help because of the economy," Southard said. "We have closer to 450 families this year, and they're still coming."

The Angel Tree Program allows families to sign up to receive community assistance to provide gifts for their families. Once Salvation Army workers approve them, their information is placed on a paper angel ornament on a tree that includes clothing sizes and three of the children's "wish list" items.

This year, area hospitals, banks and other businesses took on the angel tree program along with individuals - many who participate year after year, Southard said.

Relative newcomers to the cause were students from Challenger K-8, who this year bought presents for more than 100 families.

Colleen Doulk, a Challenger science teacher and co-sponsor of the school's Beta Club, said members organized a school-wide angel sponsorship with homerooms each sponsoring a family.

She said even the more expensive of the wish list items - including bikes and video game systems - were provided for by parents. When a last-minute family was added, she said parents went out that day and returned the next with a new bike on the child's list.

"We have a lot of very giving parents here at Challenger," Doulk said. "Many teachers met with their kids outside of school and then went shopping with them and their parents to collect the items. Then the next day, we held a hot chocolate and gift-wrapping party."

She added that random gifts were still being donated to the school, which she would bring to the Salvation Army.

Earlier this month, Southard said Salvation Army organizers moved the gift deadline from Dec. 7 to Dec. 16. When it looked like not enough gifts would be turned in by then, the date was again moved to Dec. 21.

For families who aren't provided for by volunteers, Salvation Army members go out and shop for them to make sure they receive gifts on Christmas.

Even with the increased demand, she said she believes area businesses and individuals will meet that need.

"We'll be busy all week trying to get everything out of here by Christmas Eve," Southard said.

For more information about the Angel Tree program or to donate to the Salvation Army, call the office at 352-796-1186.