NEW HAVEN, Conn. — The clock is ticking, there are only 12 more days till Christmas, but the need for the treats underneath the tree is still great.
“We’re hearing from others that would normally give, maybe they now are coming to us looking for assistance,” said Major Mike Laro.
Many Salvation Army’s across the state are still in need of toys for children for their Angel Tree Program.
“We’re seeing a lot of increases, particularly in Meriden. We noticed that there’s an increase in 400 children as compared to last year that are looking for toys,” said Laro.
Meriden has nearly 100 children still on the angel tree list. Bridgeport is in a similar situation with 75.
Other cities include Ansonia, New London, Stamford, Willimantic, and Torrington.
“Really what we need is new unwrapped toys brought to those locations and those communities,” said Laro.
Pastors of a New Haven church are doing their part to ensure that teenagers wake up to a Christmas gift, but this year has been slow for them as well.
“The struggle is real. Even though the economy seems to be getting better, it may be getting better for some people but there are still people and families that are stuck. That are still making choices to pay the lights, buy gas, or do I buy a Christmas gift,” said Pastor Brenda Adkins.
So that’s where the Christmas to Remember gift card drive comes into play. They’ve been giving out Walmart and Target gift cards to teens for the last six years, a cause that hits home for Pastor Brenda Adkins.
“Christmas day in my household for me was sad because being the oldest I had to wait for the youngest children to get gifts,” said Adkins.
She said the day for her to get her gift never came and it’s her mission to change that for teens now.
“I took that page out of my life to make sure that no child on Christmas go without a Christmas gift,” said Adkins. “Just letting them know that hey you can buy what you want. You don’t have to share your gift with your little brother or your little sister. This is all for you.
For more information on how to donate to the Salvation Army, click here.
Pastor Brenda Adkins plans to give out gift cards on December 23rd, to help her reach her goal, you can contact her here:
His Divine Will Fellowship
64 Carmel Street, New Haven
203-836-6832
DeAndria Turner is a multi-media journalist at FOX61 News. She can be reached at dturner@fox61.com.
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