When the holidays roll around, no matter how your family celebrates, we can all agree that there are few sweeter sights than the delight of a child receiving a gift picked out just for them. But for countless families struggling with economic uncertainty, these festive holiday treats come at a cost, often one which is too great to bear. However, no child should go without a present this holiday, and the Salvation Army agrees. To help bring joy to Trenton’s youth during this special season, the Salvation Army is brightening holiday hopes through this year’s Angel Tree giveaway.
On Monday, December 18th and Tuesday, December 19th, families from throughout the Capital City descended upon the Salvation Army’s Trenton campus for an afternoon of holiday fun. Families drove up one by one to receive their toys, assuring no child was left empty-handed this holiday season. Through its Angel Tree program, which serves children ages 0-12, the Salvation Army Trenton Corps is empowered to play a fundamental role in making this holiday magical for some of the community’s most vulnerable residents. With over 400 families and 900+ children served this year, there’s no doubt that this year’s celebration has already touched countless lives throughout the community.
Trenton Daily had the opportunity to sit down with Captain L. Isabella Porchetti, a Salvation Army Corps Officer, who has played an instrumental role in bringing this event to life. When discussing the initiative, Ms. Porchetti stated, “This year, one of the things that has hit most families is inflation. It’s something that families are really struggling with, to even buy food. Today, we are providing food boxes in addition to their toys.” Continuing, she noted “The Salvation Army does this program every year. The Angel Tree program provides toys and other basic necessities for children throughout Trenton and Mercer County. This year, we’re serving over 400 families and over 924 children.”
Discussing what the kiddos can look forward to, Perchetti shared “Each children is receiving three toys, or three wishes, as well as some clothing items and coats.”. When families enroll to be a part of the Angel Tree program, each child is able to submit three of their Christmas wishes. Once the wishes are received, the Salvation Army, alongside their team of committed volunteers, will do their best to match children with their request wishes, assuring every little one, regardless of circumstances, can enjoy a magical holiday.
“The main theme for us this year is Love Beyond”, Perchetti explained. “Love Beyond is understanding that this work doesn’t just happen in a moment. That impact of the community helping people in need within their community is available at the Salvation Army year-round.” Discussing how folks can be support this incredible work, Ms. Perchetti confirmed “The Salvation Army welcomes any kind of help. Today, you’ll see a group of volunteers that have decided to come out and help again, because this is a huge effort in the Salvation Army. We cannot do it alone – we need a community who serves the community.”
This program is brought to life by the Salvation Army Trenton, an organization working tirelessly to serve our community all year long. Through their critical programming, the Salvation Army remains committed to meeting individuals where they are to enrich the mind, body, and spirit. For over a hundred years, the organization has been providing the Trenton community with pivotal programming such as food insecurity assistance, educational opportunities, fellowship, and more. If you are interested in supporting this incredible mission, please consider giving to the Salvation Army by donating here: Trenton Virtual Red Kettle 2023.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more regarding how you can make a difference, please contact the Salvation Army Trenton Corps at (609) 599-9373 for additional assistance. To keep up the Trenton Salvation Army and all they offer to our community, please be sure to stay tuned on their Facebook, linked here: Salvation Army Trenton. When this special season roll around, we all deserve to enjoy a little something special, and the Salvation Army is here to help make this year’s holidays the most memorable one yet.
