Help spread holiday cheer with Angel Tree participation

It’s that time of year again—the giving season is upon us! The Salvation Army’s Angel Giving Tree is a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer by selecting someone to buy gifts for. Through this program, the Salvation Army in Waterloo and Cedar Falls brings the excitement of Christmas morning to hundreds of children across the Cedar Valley.

While the holidays are a joyous time for many, they can also bring challenges for some families in the Cedar Valley. Captain Karissa Zumwalt, the Salvation Army’s Corps Officer, said that the program “is designed to help those who are struggling during the holidays by providing toys and clothing, so families can focus on other important needs during this time.”

The annual tradition of setting up angel trees has continued to grow, with locations like Cedar Falls High School hosting them for the past couple of years. Other participating locations across the Cedar Valley include the Cedar Falls Walmart, Sam’s Club and the Isle Casino.

On the tags, you will find the recipient’s age, gender and a wish list of items they would love to receive. “We ask that people stay within the $25-$40 budget range. It’s also good to point out that when purchasing, you can choose both a toy and clothing or just one or the other. Just following these guidelines will be helpful,” Zumwalt said.

During the season it’s also important to remember to consider everyone. Zumwalt said, “Our teenages are the hardest to fill. People really tend to love the babies or 3-5 years olds because they’re fun to shop for, but teens also want something on Christmas Day, so be sure when you see them to pick up older tags as well.”

When taking an angel off the tree you might bump into Lisa Roussell, the CFHS facilities scheduler. She said, “I have been purchasing gifs for the angel tree at CFHS for the past couple years now. I also participate in the giving tree at my church as well. I believe it’s such an important thing to have a giving tree in the school as another way to give back to others.”

To participate in gift giving, simply choose an “angel” tag from the tree in the attendance office at Cedar Falls High School. The deadline for selecting your angel is Monday Dec. 9, so head to the attendance office soon to pick out an angel. Every tag taken is another person’s holiday made a little brighter. Be the reason someone smiles this season.