As Christmas inches closer, Newton Chamber is asking residents to consider sharing a gift with someone less fortunate this year by participating in the Salvation Army Angel Tree program.
Chamber Director Emily Pugh said the Chamber started off the Christmas season with 50 angels on their tree and had 22 left as of Nov. 20.
“It’s been a great year,” she said.
However, she said, there is still more to go.
The Angel Tree program, Pugh said, helps provide gifts to children who may not otherwise have something to open on Christmas Day. Through the Salvation Army, parents sign up and a child’s age, clothing size and wish list are placed on an angel-shaped ornament. Residents can select an ornament and purchase a gift, which will be delivered to the child before Christmas.
In previous year’s, Pugh said, Newton Chamber’s Angel Tree has been a huge success. Last year, she said, 18 of 46 angels received bicycles – a frequently wished for item.
“The lady at The Salvation Army said that’s unheard of,” Pugh said.
The program is open to anyone who would like to participate. Residents, business owners and civic groups are encouraged to stop by the Newton Depot to pick an angel off the tree.
Gifts for the Angel Tree can be dropped off at the Newton Depot wrapped or unwrapped, Pugh said, but all gifts need to be in by Dec. 12. The Salvation Army will be by to collect the gifts Dec. 13, she said, so it’s important to have everything ready before then.
With only a few angels remaining on the tree, Pugh said Newton Chamber is anticipating another great year for the program. She said it has always been a big hit in Newton, and this year is no different.
