Salvation Army Begins Distributing Gifts To Angel Tree Recipients

The Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma began distribution of its 2020 Angel Tree program on Thursday.

The Salvation Army said the community has helped more than 900 households this Christmas.

Lori Anderson said this year has been extremely tough. Her husband lost his job back May and fortunately, she still has hers.

“We have two boys that are 6 and 5. They don't realize that it is COVID, they don't realize that there's issue going on around the world. They just know Christmas is coming. I was really, really thankful to be approved for this program,” Anderson said.

Anderson said there's only enough money for basic needs and gift just weren't an option without help.

"It makes me cry because I couldn’t do it myself so I am just really thankful,” Anderson said.

Thanks to the help of the community, more than 1,600 children and nearly 400 senior citizens were able to get gifts this year.

Thursday morning, several volunteers helped families pick up those gifts.

Susan Ellis with the Salvation Army said most children and seniors even got what they asked for.

“This is a happy moment for us. In 2020, we need some happy moments. You know, we've had some hard days, we've had some hard days, we've really adjusted how we do service,” Ellis said.

The Salvation Army of Central Oklahoma will be distributing more gift from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday at their Angel Tree Warehouse just off of Northwest 140th.