Project #2: Salvation Army Angel Tree/Star of Hope
The Wichita Salvation Army Christmas Assistance Program provides support to families and individuals in need during the holiday season. Through the Angel Tree Program, toys and general necessities are provided to children age fourteen (14) and under. The Star of Hope offers help for senior citizens, handicapped individuals and those with special needs. This year, requests for assistance to these programs alone were up over 30% from last year. For example, while the Angel Tree Program successfully served 8,611 children last year, as of the end of November the local chapter had already received 11,000 requests for assistance.
After learning of the significant increase in requests, and the severe shortage the Salvation Army Wichita Chapter was facing this year, KMAZ staff and attorneys staged a 48 hour firm-wide rally. In that two (2) day period, they picked up wish lists, purchased gift items, and prepared them for drop off. They collectively adopted 41 individuals from these programs, donating toys and other general necessities for the holidays.