The Angel Tree Program, hosted by the Salvation Army, is a program that allows families in need to sign up for community assistance in an effort to provide gifts to their families. The information regarding the gifts are placed on a paper angel ornament and hung on a tree. Individuals or groups that wish to purchase the item for a family remove the angel from the tree, purchase the item and bring it back unwrapped to the Salvation Army.

Friday, December 18th is the deadline for Angel Tree gifts to be turned in to the Salvation Army of Hernando County. On the first day of winter, December 21, representatives from the Salvation Army will be distributing the gifts to the families. Due to the economic downturn this year many families have been hard pressed, however residents of Hernando County have strived to keep up with the increasing demand.

According to Cathy Southard, social services case worker, “The families who used to give to us in the past are now the ones asking us for help because of the economy,” Southard said. “We have closer to 450 families this year, and they’re still coming.”

Thanks Hernando for pulling together and helping your neighbors this holiday season!