NORFOLK, Va. — 13News Now is getting into the holiday spirit with one of our favorite annual traditions: supporting the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.
The Salvation Army Hampton Roads Area Command kicked off its holiday initiatives Friday, saying the need is greater than ever this year.
“Help out in any way you can, whether that’s big or small. No gift is too small,” said Salvation Army staffer A’Brion Croom.
The organization is relying on the community to help serve thousands of children and families in need, saying the need is 15% greater this year than in 2023. Major Chris Flanagan said they’ve already served 7,800 children but expect to help thousands more.
“We couldn’t do it without the public,” said Major Flanagan. “That’s what’s so good about this community. First and foremost, I always say thank you for what you do.”
To participate in the Angel Tree program, community members can pick up a gift tag in person. The slip will have details on a child/family, their age(s), and potential gift options. In-person angel trees are at the following locations:
- The Salvation Army Hampton Roads Area Command
- The Salvation Army Kroc Center
- Lynnhaven Mall
- Chesapeake Square Mall
- Coastal Edge Stores (all locations)
You can also adopt an angel online. As always, the Salvation Army’s holiday initiatives include theRed Kettle fundraiser and myHoliday Socks.
“It just gives us great joy to know that on Christmas Day, there’s going to be children out there that are going to be surprised with what the community has donated,” Salvation Army staffer Jim Colston told 13News Now on Friday.
Fellow staffer Daphne Delgado agreed, saying, “With everything that’s going on in our communities, in the United States, it’s great that people still have the desire to help with whatever they can.”