Salvation Army Calls For Support To Fill The Gap For ‘Forgotten Angels’

This year the Salvation Army is working to get Christmas presents under the tree for more than 5,000 kids in the Tulsa area, through its Angel Tree program.

But sadly, not everyone fulfills their commitment when they adopt an angel.  

This year's Angel Tree program just launched last week and about 2,000 angels have already been adopted. But the Salvation Army says some people forget to turn in gifts or don't give much at all. Picking out angels from the Salvation Army's tree at Woodland Hills Mall is a tradition going 20 years strong for DeeDee Geddie.

"The four of us would go in together and buy a boy and a girl bicycles, helmets, clothes, and shoes, usually,” Geddie said.

To make a bigger impact on a couple of kids, she partners up with a group of friends.

"One passed away but her husband now comes with us because he wanted to be a part of the tradition,” Geddie said.

But not everyone is willing or able to make a commitment like that. Lt. Mariah Deshaezo with the Salvation Army said each year, 15 percent of its angels either don't get adopted or don't get enough gifts.

"We refer to these children as forgotten angels,” Deshaezo said. “They might receive just one gift or a pair of socks, or even just a hat."

Deshaezo said there is an opportunity to give in another way, by making a loose toy donation to help fill that gap.

"We are able to use those toys to just make the bags a little bit fuller," she said. 

Gifts for all ages, newborn through 12, and for seniors too, can be dropped off at any Salvation Army location, Walmart Supercenter, or Mattress Firm, to help make sure fewer angels are forgotten.

"Don't forget. Cause think about that child on Christmas,” Geddie said.

The deadline to drop off your gifts is Dec. 10th.

For more information on how to adopt an angel, click here.