The holiday spirit is alive and well in Central Texas, as the Salvation Army plays Santa's helper by distributing gifts to thousands of children in need. In a generous display of community support, Austinites came together to make sure that the joy of Christmas would reach nearly 7,000 children this year through the Angel Tree program.
Major Lewis Reckline, Area Commander for the Salvation Army in Central Texas, expressed his admiration for the community's involvement, "When they see how the community steps up and supports their children, the look on the moms' faces is amazing," he told CBS Austin. Reckline underscored the emotional payoff, "And we can only imagine, on Christmas morning, what it means for the child that Santa Claus came."
The Angel Tree program commenced in September, initiating a community effort to ensure that every registered child receives a present this holiday season. It seems that, despite the lingering economic challenges posed by the pandemic, generosity is not in short supply. "This community this year has gone above and beyond what you can imagine," Reckline revealed in an interview with FOX 7 Austin.
With the community's help, the Angel Tree program, a fixture since 1979, shows no signs of waning. As long as the need exists, Austinites have proven that they're willing to reach out and help. Reckline left an open call for support, "If something were to come up, and they need help, we're there for them," stated in FOX & Austin report.
