Photo Provided

Photo Provided

• 
• 

Holiday decorations are going up, Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas Is You" is playing on loop, and The Salvation Army's Angel Tree adoptions have begun.

According to the Salvation Army, the highest inflation rates in four decades and rising food and fuels costs mean the Salvation Army is experiencing a shortage in funding along with an increased demand for services. The Angel Tree program helps families in need by providing Christmas gifts for their children.

"Only through the generosity of donors can The Salvation Army provide support and bring hope to families in need this holiday season," Captain Sheri Jones, Area Commander of The Salvation Army of Coastal Alabama, said.

In Baldwin and Mobile County, the Salvation Army has seen a 40% increase in the number of gifts requested. In 2021 there were just under 1,000 children registered. This year there are 1,400.

Once a child is registered as an angel, their Christmas wish list is shared with donors, who purchase gifts of new toys and clothing. Baldwin County adopters select an angel tag, which includes the child's wish list, from trees located at Walmart Vision Centers in Fairhope, Daphne, Robertsdale, Foley and Gulf Shores. An Angel Tree is also located at Tanger Outlet in Foley.

When the adopter completes their shopping, they bring their angel's wish list tag and gifts to the location where they selected their angel. Gifts can also be brought to any Salvation Army location. Volunteers and staff group the angels by family and the gifts are distributed to their parents the week before Christmas.

If you are unable to get to an Angel Tree location, you can adopt an angel online by visiting www.SACoastAL.org and clicking the Ways to Help or Angel Tree tab.

For more information about Angel Tree adoptions in Baldwin or Mobile counties, please visit www.SACoastAL.org or call (251) 438-1625.