LCA Delivers Holiday Cheer Through Angel Tree, Food Bank Programs
January 4, 2021
2020 was a tough year for everyone, but that didn’t stop LCA employees from delivering holiday cheer to a number of children and families across the Lehigh Valley.
Through The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, LCA employees donated gifts for 26 children— boys and girls ranging in age from 8 months to 12 years old. Although LCA has participated in the Angel Tree program for many years, it was a little different this time because of COVID-19. Employees selected gift tags from a virtual Angel Tree, then purchased and donated the children’s “wish list” items.
The Angel Tree program provides gifts for children of disadvantaged families. The gifts are given to parents a few days before Christmas, so that the child believes they’re from his parents or Santa Claus — preserving the magic of the holiday.
The Angel Tree got its start in 1979, when two Salvation Army majors, Charles and Shirley White, came up with the idea to provide clothing and toys for children during the holiday season at a shopping mall in Lynchburg, Virginia.
LCA employees also helped families by donating non-perishable items to a local food pantry managed by St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, located in Trexlertown. The church operates the food pantry in partnership with the Second Harvest food bank.
“Our employees, who are essential workers, shined throughout 2020, adapting to many changes and new challenges brought on by the global pandemic,” said Susan Sampson, Customer Care & Communications Manager. “And they knew that it was even more important to support our neighbors in need because so many more families were struggling. That’s why they stepped up and contributed to two annual efforts organized by our Activities Committee. We are proud of our employees for helping others have a holiday season that was a little brighter than it might have been.”
If you’d like to help The Salvation Army — either for the holidays, or at any time of the year — please call (610) 432-0129 or visit them online at LehighValley.SalvationArmyPA.org.