The Giving Tree

This year’s Angel Tree was emptied in record time.
Photo By James Hoyle

Every year, at around this time, Concord University erects a tree in the student center just outside the cafeteria. This tree, as festive as it first appears, is decorated with an unusual sort of decorations. Names of children are on it, and all of these children need help. 

    The Salvation Army’s annual Angel Tree was out in full force over the past week. About 75 names of children from around the local area were placed on the tree, down from last year’s count of about 100. Essentially, how the Angel Tree works is that someone picks up an Angel card from the tree. The card has a child’s name, age, clothing and shoe size, and short Christmas wish list. Concord University began hosting the Angel Tree on campus back in 1988, and it has since gone on to become a tradition. Along with the Red Kettles, the Angel Tree is one of the seminal fundraising efforts that have become synonymous with the Salvation Army around Christmas time.

    The concept of the Salvation Army Angel Tree began with Majors Shirley and Charles White in 1979. In an email from Lynnis Hill, the coordinator of Concord’s Angel Tree, “The Whites identified the wishes of local children by writing their gift needs on greeting cards that featured pictures of angels.  They placed the cards on a Christmas tree at the mall to allow shoppers to select children they could help.  Because of this effort that first year, more than 700 children had a brighter Christmas.” During that Christmas season that year, the Whites worked with a mall in Lynchburg, Virginia to provide toys and clothing for children in need. Since that time, the Angel Tree has gone on to become a cornerstone for the entire organization. 

    As previously stated, Concord University has hosted an Angel tree on campus since 1988, and has since gone on to help contribute holiday cheer throughout the local area. Just last year, Concord University’s faculty, staff, and students responded overwhelmingly. In addition to toys and clothes, a dozen bicycles were also donated. 

    As for this upcoming holiday season, Concord University has replied with its usual positive turnout. While there were fewer names on the tree this year, the names were quickly snatched up by Concord University students, faculty, and staff. By the end of the week, all 75 names on the tree were taken. This just goes to show that Concord University, as they have in the past, responds well to charity.

    Those that took cards are encouraged to try and get as many of the items on the cards as possible. The date to return the cards is December 8, and note that stuffed animals will not be accepted.

    All gifts should be handed in to the Student Center. After 4:00 p.m. on December 8, Concord will contact The Salvation Army, and all the gifts will be gathered and taken away to where they’re needed. This is just one way that Concord students are able to show generosity during the time of the year when need is most keenly felt.