Salvation Army sees 266 more Angel Tree children than last year as Bryan-College Station kettles return

The Salvation Army of Bryan-College Station has launched its annual Angel Tree program and Red Kettle campaign, and its leaders say far more children need Christmas sponsors this year, KXXV reported.

The local Angel Tree list is up about 33% from last year, according to the station. "This year, we actually have 266 more angels than what we did last year," Caroline Brummer, who serves as the local corps assistant, told KXXV.

Kettles are out

Volunteers are already ringing bells outside some stores, including Hobby Lobby, and the organization plans to add kettles at locations throughout Bryan and College Station, KXXV reported. The station said kettle donations stay in the community and fund the group's programs and assistance over the coming year.

Bell ringer Paul Odom told the station, "I know that all the money we raise stays here and helps others."

Former recipients giving back

Brummer said a family that once received Angel Tree gifts came back this year as sponsors for other children, according to KXXV. Major David Swyers told the station he has heard that kind of story many times from donors over the years.

"When you can stop and care about someone else at that moment more than yourself, that's where world joy is," Swyers said.

How to help

Residents can drop money in a Red Kettle, choose a tag from one of the Angel Trees, or sign up online at salvationarmybcs.org to give or to sponsor a child, according to KXXV.

Sources

kxxv.com