Over the last couple of days, about three dozen local businesses joined together in an effort to “rescue Christmas” for more than 100 families in need in the Owensboro community. There were about 150 children left unsponsored through the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program to end last week; as of Wednesday afternoon that number had shrunk to less than 15.
The Angel Tree program coordinates gift giving to local children by placing “angels,” which are cards with shopping instructions for an individual child, at local retailers like Walmart and Hobby Lobby. This year, the Owensboro branch received requests from nearly 500 families for holiday assistance.
With the deadline for donations approaching and still a large number of children in need, local businesses joined the cause.
The movement was spearheaded by Jessica Woods, owner of Byron & Barclay on East 2nd Street. A friend told her that between an increased need and limited budget for donors, the Salvation Army was having trouble getting all the children sponsored this year.
“My immediate thought was that all of us as local businesses are always willing to work together on other projects, so I thought why not reach out,” she said. “I knew I could at least get a few that would sponsor a child through their business or family.”
Woods sent messages to all her contacts, and businesses quickly jumped on board. As of Wednesday evening, 32 businesses signed up to sponsor at least one child.
“It’s exciting that we can help out and fill those needs.”
Woods worked with Salvation Army’s Owensboro branch captain Rebekah Abram in coordinating the effort.
In filling out the “angels” cards, families write down items they need in four categories. Donors are asked to provide at least one thing listed in each category, but some choose to go “all out” and buy even more than what appears on the list.
Abram said the list of children in need is continuously being updated — “emergency cases” come in daily, and some angels that are taken don’t get returned.
So, she said, the need for donations is ongoing.
“We’re trying to rescue Christmas,” Abram said. “There are people who have been laid off who don’t know where Christmas is going to come from. We’re trying to help as many kids as possible to have a good Christmas and not worry about mom and dad not having a job right now. Parents can have one less stress of having presents under the tree because they’ve been taken care of by angels around the community.”
People wishing to support the program virtually can purchase gifts online through the Walmart registry, which will then ship the items to their local Salvation Army. To pick a specific angel, people can visit the Salvation Army at 215 Ewing Road or contact the organization via Facebook.
“There are parents who have never had to ask for help before that are having to this year,” Abram said. “We’re just trying to be a light in this dark winter.”
Businesses that joined the cause over the last few days include:
- Byron & Barclay
- Simply Chic
- David P. Taylor Antiques
- Lil Bit Sassy
- Willow and Pine
- Rayelle Collection
- Barr Bones
- HorseFeathers Gifts
- Embellish Boutique
- Cabinets Unlimited
- The Harris Jarboe Group
- Robin’s Resale
- Mile Wide Beer Co.
- The Sturdy Hinge
- Simple Fit Owensboro
- SIP Owensboro
- Hill View Farms Meats
- Nikos Bakery
- Nikos Bakery Family
- Yoga Loft
- Balance Health & Body
- 270 Power Yoga
- Ultra Gems
- Team @ TTMA
- Bella Ragazza Boutique
- Crazy Me Gifts & Apparel
- The Earle
- Kidstop Children’s Boutique
- Studio Slant
- Donato’s Pizza
- The Red Door
