TAMPA, Fla. — Time is running out to participate in the Salvation Army Angel Tree program, which helps bring joy to Tampa Bay area children and families during the holiday season.
This year is more important than ever as the need continues to grow.
“We hear the stories, the hardships," Major Beth Swyer said. "People are going through the jobs lost when the hurricane came through, just the experiences of those families. Many parents will cry at the table as they tell us their stories."
Inside the Salvation Army warehouse, there are more than a thousand boxes, and each represents one family. In 2022, the amount doubles the number of families the Salvation Army served last year.
When ABC Action News stopped by the warehouse, we expected to see the toy distribution area packed with gifts, but it wasn’t. Swyer, however, said she's not worried.
“Tampa always comes through, every one of these children will get something, and I just know that their Christmases will be a little brighter because of this community,” she said.
Swyer does want to remind everyone that there is still time to adopt an angel, even the older children.
“Everyone loves to buy for the little girls and the little children," she said. "It's the bigger children, the teenagers, the larger children that are usually the last to be picked or get the minimal amount of stuff."
The Salvation Army is taking advantage of Santa’s big-hearted high-profile helpers. Tony and Lauren Dungy are Salvation Army Christmas Ambassadors.
“This is a true meaning and the real meaning of celebrating the season by helping other pupils support families that are in need. And we love doing that,” Lauren said.
“We came to Tampa 30 years ago with the idea of trying to get involved in the community and be part of it," Tony added. "And things like this really help us do that and really give you the spirit of togetherness and unity in your community.”
The Dungys and all their kids spent Wednesday ringing bells outside the Publix at the Apex in Tampa for the Red Kettle Campaign.
Donations help the Salvation Army all year with local programs. You can learn more about specific deadlines to adopt an angel and return their gifts here.
