Salvation Army Has More Than 2,000 Angels Available For Adoption

There are still more than 2,000 Green Country kids hoping to be adopted from the Angel Tree this year.

The Salvation Army says there's a big need right now especially after a difficult past two years for many families.

 “Because of these trying times we've had to add more families due to emergency situations but we are honored to serve them, we are blessed to serve them,” said Salvation Army Public Relations Manager Jenny Swyden.

The Salvation Army started with 58-hundred angels this year and they still have more than 26-hundred left to be adopted. Rosie Rice spent the day packaging gifts for kids in need. After the angel's wish is fulfilled by a community member, the bags come into the warehouse.

Then a volunteer like Rosie goes through it and adds more donated toys or clothes off the shelf. Then the angel's bag is closed and their wish gets checked off the list. Rosie says her favorite part is seeing the relief on parent's faces knowing their kids will have something to open on Christmas morning.

“The kids are sometimes with them and they're just like a bike, a bike! it's just awesome to see them,” said Rice.

"The tag it may just seem like a piece of paper but each tag represents a deserving child and we don’t take that lightly,” said Swyden.

Many Tulsa businesses also adopt angels off the tree. Accent Realtors Owner Paul Wheeler says he and his employees enjoy giving back to the community.

"The only thing better than making money is giving it away and just giving back and helping those in need," said Accent Realtors Owner, Paul Wheeler. 

Because knowing a child will have a gift to open on Christmas morning makes the holiday even more special. 

“Some of these kids don't ask for much. they ask for a coat or a car seat, so these kids are in desperate need of things and when we can supply those things - the things they desperately need but also fun toys and things they want, its a blessing to bring these kids Christmas joy,” said Swyden.

You can adopt an angel in person at Woodland Hills mall or you can also adopt one online at SalArmyTulsa.Org. 

The deadline to drop off your toys is December 10th.