The Salvation Army of North Texas has started handing out 30,000 gifts donated as part of its "Angel Tree" program this year. Gifts are being distributed at the Salvation Army's warehouses on Harry Hines in North Dallas and near I-35W and Felix in South Fort Worth.
"This is my favorite thing. This is the climax, this is what we reach for," says Major Bethany Hawks, area commander for the Salvation Army of North Texas.
Families could start signing up to receive gifts in September. Other families began adopting those who had signed up in November and distribution will continue through next Monday.
A line wrapped through the parking lot of the warehouse in Dallas and onto Harry Hines Boulevard when distribution started Tuesday morning.
"It's helpful because, during this time, my husband's work died down, the hours are cut down," one woman said. "It's hard to pay bills and rent. With the bills so high and electricity so high, it's hard, so a little help goes a long way."
"It provides hope," Hawks says. "And hopefully it's providing just a way to connect."
Hawks says gifts can help extended families reconnect and neighbors connect with each, saying many have to choose between hosting a Christmas celebration with gifts for their kids or paying utility bills.
"It's amazing, sometimes we'll get thank you notes from kids to Santa. We'll get thank you notes from parents. Today is the day we celebrate," Hawks says.
In addition to giving support to families who had signed up for Angel Tree, Hawks says the event also gives volunteers a way to connect.
"We all need connection," she says. "From the volunteer to the staff to the families we serve, we're making a connection and, hopefully, bringing hope and joy to people's lives."
Hawks says she received Angel Tree gifts herself as a child. She says she now adopts a family with kids about the same age as her own.
"I cannot believe the generosity of North Texans when I see these bags. They're providing needs; they're providing wants. They're providing, maybe, their favorite color or maybe a little boy wants Spider-man, and their bag is full of Spider-man stuff," she says. "It's providing just that continued joy."
The Salvation Army of North Texas says 30,000 families signed up for the Angel Tree program this year.
Donations to the Salvation Army can be made at https://salvationarmyntx.org/north-texas/waystogive .
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