Quad Cities, USA: December 6, 2013 - The forecast for The Salvation Army's annual Angel Tree toy collection is bleak. When more than 3,000 toys are needed, and the toys are trickling at a very slow pace.
Right now, all four area Wal-Mart and the NorthPark (JCPenney Court) and SouthPark (Younkers Court) Malls have Christmas Trees displayed with angel tags with ideas of what to purchase for a child in need.
Major Gary Felton, Quad Cities Coordinator for The Salvation Army, in his 4th year with the Quad Cities' Angel Tree program, "I do have great concern for the Angel Tree children's Christmas morning in this year of uncertainty. People are sacrificing as it is; so the big unknown is whether they can also afford to sacrifice for a child they've never met. But then again, this community's generosity catches me off guard every year."
Wal-Mart will also be hosting "Fill the Truck" on December 13th and 14th, 12nn - 6pm. Volunteers are needed to help make the Wal-Mart customers aware of the collection drive. Go to www.ringbells.org for easy sign-up.
Last year, thousands of toys were displayed at The Salvation Army's Toy Shop on the Christmas Assistance distribution days. Parents or guardians were able to find the toys that would suit their children. The new Toy Shop style distribution has helped The Salvation Army make sure EVERY child receives a toy, as well as give dignity to the parents who cannot afford toys.
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