By By Sharon White/The Meridian Star
Dec. 13, 2000
Salvation Army officials say Christmas giving is way down this year, and hundreds of needy children may not have presents under the tree if the trend continues.
The Salvation Army's Angel Tree campaign is an annual adoption program that asks community members to buy Christmas gifts for children from low-income families in Lauderdale County and the surrounding area.
It complements the bell-ringing campaign, in which volunteers man Salvation Army kettles outside stores crowded with holiday shoppers.
Angel Tree donors agree to spend $50-$70 on each child they adopt, filling a stocking they receive from the Salvation Army.
Mur said both campaigns are "in trouble," and about 300 angels have not been adopted.
The deadline for returning gifts is Friday.
Distribution of Angel Tree gifts is set for Dec. 19-20. For more information about adopting an angel this year, call 483-6156 or visit an adoption site.
Sharon White is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail her at swhite@meridianstar.com.