The Salvation Army of Greater Lynchburg will kick off the 2019 Angel Tree program with an Angel Tree 40th Anniversary Weekend this Friday, November 15 and Saturday, November 16.
The public is invited to a free concert on Friday, November 15 at 7:30 PM at The Center for Music and Worship Arts Concert Hall. Hosted by the Liberty University School of Music and School of Nursing, the concert features The Salvation Army National Capital Band. The band has been the Salvation Army’s principal musical force in the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Virginia since 1925. Composed entirely of volunteer musicians, the band has developed an international reputation of excellence.
On Saturday, November 16 at 6:00 PM, The Salvation Army National Capital Band returns to the River Ridge Mall for a 40th Anniversary Angel Tree Celebration with music, cookie decorating, tree lighting, and more.
The Angel Tree Program, along with The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign, is one of The Salvation Army’s highest-profile Christmas efforts. Thousands of children across Virginia will experience the joy of opening presents on Christmas morning thanks to generous donors and the help of The Salvation Army Angel Tree Program that started 40 years ago in Lynchburg by Salvation Army officers Lt. Cols. Charles and Shirley White.
“The Angel Tree program provides toys and clothing to children, seniors, and families experiencing financial hardship,” said Captain Trey Jones with The Salvation Army of Greater Lynchburg. “Angels are available for adoption by community members and businesses, who in a small way will deliver the magic and message of Christmas to those in need.”
Decorated with paper angels representing the wishes of local children or seniors in need, Angel Trees are located at River Ridge Mall and area businesses. “We are grateful for the generous support from our community and local businesses that work alongside The Salvation Army to provide a joyous Christmas to those in need,” said Captain Jones.
About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar The Salvation Army spends is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide.
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