Help an angel with a gift

Some years ago, the Salvation Army had Christmas trees in local banks with children’s names, ages and wishes on them. At some point, I learned I had to go to the Salvation Army office in order to get something from the “Angel Tree.”

This year when I went, it was discouraging to see the number of tags still available. I wish I could have taken all of them but chose a little boy and his sister. It’s so much fun to shop for little kids again since my own are grown. I wish I could meet these little ones and see their faces when they get the gifts, but I think I get as much joy out of this as they might.

I write this not to pat myself on the back but to remind our community about this opportunity to give to a child who may not have as much as our own children/grandchildren. There is still time until Dec. 17 to take part or, if not this year, please remember for next.

This story was originally published December 12, 2015 at 4:32 PM with the headline "Help an angel with a gift."