The Salvation Army of Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee Counties is celebrating the annual Angel Tree program’s success, which distributed Christmas gifts to 1,222 children in 521 families this week. Each year, The Salvation Army looks to the community to “adopt” children registered in the program, purchasing gifts and clothing for each child to open on Christmas morning. Even in a global pandemic, the community stepped up. With the support of local sponsors like Powerhouse Gym, Seacoast National Bank, The Grace Place, Port Saint Lucie City Hall and Miles Grant Country Club, families in need throughout the area will have a warmer and brighter Christmas this year.

Christmas time can bring on incredible stress for a family in need. In a global pandemic, The Salvation Army has seen firsthand how that stress has been amplified. “We know how hard this year has been, and we know how much people are hurting,” said Capt. Sheena Marquis, local Corps Officer. “Our goal was to ensure nobody is without gifts under their tree or food on their table on Christmas morning,” This year, each family received gifts and wrapping paper for each registered child, plus hygiene kits for each member of their family, laundry detergent and dish soap, diapers (if applicable), frozen dinner items like pizza and chicken, and a box of nonperishable food items.

The packing and distribution was no small feat and would not have been successful if not for the more than 50 volunteers who gave up their free time to give back. Bonita Jackson, a volunteer from Fort Pierce, said, “This is my first time helping with Angel Tree, and I’m glad I did. The whole process is so organized and impressive, but mostly I’m impressed to see everything these families are being given. It’s incredible.”
Marquis went on to share how the mother of an Angel Tree family recently had a baby and desperately needed a crib as soon as possible. Unsure of procuring the money and wary it could take some time, they sent an email blast to the local Salvation Army’s Women’s Auxiliary. Marquis explained, “Within just 30 minutes, they raised funds for the crib, on top of the 48 angels that they had already adopted. It was extraordinary. The compassion these women have for their community and this organization truly has no bounds.”

Thanks to the Treasure Coast Square Mall, The Salvation Army was able to set up shop in an unused store that quickly became the Angel Tree Warehouse over the past month. The vast space allowed staff and volunteers to coordinate and sort through all donated items to guarantee every family received their intended gifts and additional provisions, all while adhering to COVID-19 guidelines per the CDC.

For more information about The Salvation Army of Martin, St. Lucie and Okeechobee Counties and the services they provide to the local community, visit salvationarmyflorida.org/martincounty or call 772-288-1471.