Angel tree calling all donors

The Salvation Army is doing its part to ensure that Shoals children have a merry Christmas through its Angel Tree program.

The Angel Tree at Regency Square Mall holds nearly 2,000 names of needy children from throughout the Shoals.

Individuals choose a name from the tree, purchase gifts for the child, and return the gifts, unwrapped, to the tree.

In 2008, 400 angels were not adopted. This year, that number could be even higher because of the substantial increase of names on the tree.

Five days into the campaign Friday, about 650 angel names had been taken from the tree, a good first week, said Capt. Michael Rojas, commander of the Salvation Army.

"We're still being very cautious and just praying for big adoption days because there are many more children's names on the tree this year. The volunteers working at the tree have been very encouraged," Rojas said.

Jennifer Nestler, of Florence, took her off day from work Friday to shop for her Angel Tree child. She has a tradition of selecting an Angel Tree name within the first week of the program and always picks a child in need of a bicycle.

"I just love buying bicycles for my angels because to me, that's what makes Christmas exciting for a child," she said.

"I always think about getting my first bicycle at Christmas, and in my mind, that's just a must-have gift for a child. I look forward to this every year, especially since I don't have little ones in my family to buy for anymore."

Individuals wishing to adopt a name from the Angel Tree may do so until Dec. 5, which is also the deadline for all gifts to be returned to the tree.

The Red Kettle campaign kicked off Friday, with a goal of collecting $100,000. Likewise, the Empty Table Fund has begun its 35th year of collection for the Salvation Army with a goal this year of $45,000.

The money raised through both of those collections goes directly to the Shoals Salvation Army to help offset costs associated with Christmas assistance programs and to help with general expenses and costs that mount during winter months.

The Salvation Army assists needy individuals with utility costs, food and other needs.

Individuals may contribute to the Empty Table Fund by bringing a donation to the TimesDaily offices, 219 W. Tennessee St., Florence, or mailing it to P.O. Box 797, Florence, AL 35631.

Lisa Singleton-Rickman can be reached at 740-5735 or lisa.singleton-rickman@TimesDaily.com.