Area businesses come to rescue of Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program
, News reporter
11-05-2009
With time comes change and while some changes are not viewed in a positive light, this one has gone from dim to one that truly glistens.
The Salvation Army Angel Tree for area children in need, has been a familiar sight at Richmond Walmart at Christmastime for many years. However, it will be noticeably absent from the supercenter’s property this year.
Well, as Sister Maria said in “The Sound of Music,” “Where one door closes, He opens a window.”
Indeed He has.
What started out as a few Richmond businesses welcoming the opportunity to have an Angel Tree to provide a place for shoppers to pick a gift, for a child from infant to age 17, has grown into a forest.
To date, 22 businesses in Richmond and Orrick have embraced the Salvation Army Angel Tree cause.
“We’ve had the Angel Tree at Walmart since it started,” said Judy Zilliox. “There was one at each entrance. We’ve been doing this for at least 15 years.” Zilliox said the tradition began when the first Walmart opened in Richmond.
Zilliox said she was told via the Salvation Army corporate leaders the space at Walmart was no longer available for the trees.
“We’re still trying to raise money for the toys – in a different way,” said David Penny, store manager at Richmond Walmart. “We’re really encouraging our associates to bring in their own collections. We’ve done this in the past and it’s not uncommon for us to raise $2,000. It’s not over – we’re just doing it a different way.”
Penny said the corporation “challenged” them (the Richmond store) to do the annual Children’s Miracle Network fundraiser differently too.
“When they changed the rules, we had the best drive ever - raising $12,000. The best we did before that was $10,000,” said Penny. “I can see this as being the best year of donations ever.”
The situation at the Walmart in Excelsior Springs remains the same as last year. The Angel Tree will continue to be a part of its store, according to store manager Mark Heller.
“We’re working with Salvation Army and will definitely support them in what they’re doing,” said Heller, who added he hadn’t heard anything indicating they would not be participating.
Various sizes of Angel Trees will begin ‘sprouting up’ next week, according to Zilliox. From counter-top size to full-size, many businesses already have their own trees they’ve offered for the little angels. However, some businesses still need trees.
This is just another opportunity to help. If you have a nice tree that you would like to offer, please contact the Salvation Army. Zilliox requests that no pre-lit trees be donated.
Besides the business ‘angels,’ that have extended a helping hand, the number of children (angels themselves) that are in need this Christmas appears to be growing.
“Last year, we gave a large gift, two medium gifts and a small gift plus stocking stuffers to each child. That was around 1,600 to 2,000 gifts to kids last year,” Zilliox said. “This year, it’s going to be a slim Christmas in Ray County because of so many losing their jobs and prices going up. I expect we’ll have at least 400 kids this year.”
Zilliox indicated that no more than $25 should be spent per child, but even at that the cost for 400 children will be a staggering $10,000.
If you would like to donate a tree, a gift/gift card or money to purchase gifts, please contact Judy Zilliox or Margaret Burton at the Salvation Army at 816-776-8191.
Salvation Army Angel Tree
Participating businesses
Richmond Apple Market
Bank of America
Bank Midwest
Blair’s Furniture
C&C Discount Drug
Central Missouri Community Credit Union
City of Richmond
Dortons Sinclair (Orrick)
The Medical Center
Economy Health Mart
JP’s Total Image
Community Bank of Missouri
Richmond KFC/Taco Bell
Larry’s True Value
Linda’s Floral & Gifts
Ray County Library
The (Richmond) Daily News
Snip & Set Salon (Orrick)
The State Bank
US Bank
Wolfe’s Jewelry & Gifts
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