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The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree

Whether you’re donating or volunteering, help brighten the lives of needy children and seniors in Hawaii this holiday season

By Melissa Chang on November 28, 2011

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It’s nice to buy gifts for those we know and love, but at this time of year, it’s important to extend that giving spirit to those in need — many of whom we may never meet or know of the circumstances that made them fall into tough times.

Black Friday may have officially kicked off shopping for the holiday season, but there are people who don’t even have the means to go to Walmart to fight for crazy bargains. As you shop this year, you can do good for someone else, and The Salvation Army has made it easy for you with their annual Angel Tree.

I visited with Laura Kay Rand (@Lkrand) of The Salvation Army to find out how to help out.

Located in Pearlridge Center, Kahala Mall and Windward Mall, the Angel Trees have tags marked with names and the gift wish of children or seniors around Oahu. You simply pull a tag, register it with a volunteer, then buy the item that is listed (hey, you’re already at the mall anyway, right?). Don’t even wrap it — just bring it back to the Angel Tree, and your deed is done. Remember, these are gifts, so it’s gotta be new and unused. Turn it in by Dec. 19 so The Salvation Army can get their anticipated 4,000 gifts out by Christmas.

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The Salvation Army Angel Tree (1 of 7)

I went to Pearlridge (uptown near Farrell's) and scoped out the tree for tags. —Photo by Russ Sumida

If you have any questions about the Angel Tree, being a volunteer, how to find a bell ringer, or donating, just contact The Salvation Army at 808-682-5505, kroc.hawaii@usw.salvationarmy.org, tweet them at @KrocCenterHI, or message them on Facebook. In fact, if you would like to volunteer for the Angel Tree or any other holiday activities, they’ll gladly accept your help. The Timson and Smith families, below, have brought their entire ohana to volunteer at Pearlridge every year for many years.

Have a wonderful holiday season, and here’s hoping you can brighten the day of a needy child or senior!

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You can read all of Melissa’s blogs at www.nonstophonolulu.com/UrbanMixPlate. Follow Melissa on Twitter @Melissa808, on Foursquare as Melissa808, or email at Melissa@nonstophonolulu.com.

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nonstopmari 189 pts moderator

ok, i will. i'm choosing a senior. altho w/ the cutoff at 55, i know a few ppl who will be apoplectic when they find out they're seniors.

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Melissa808 204 pts moderator

nonstopmari I know more than a few people!

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nonstopmari 189 pts moderator

Melissa808 the angel trees are still loaded w unfulfilled Xmas wish lists! Stopped by kahala mall yestdy and found a lot of tags from seniors who need pots and pans, blenders, tall fans, hot pots for water. I bought a fan and will give it to the oldest person on the tree who needs it.

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Melissa808 204 pts moderator

nonstopmari if you go back to the tree and they don't need a fan, check with kroccenterhi ....maybe they have a database that shows needs from all the trees around town, and will be able to match the fan to a senior.

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KrocCenterHI 5 pts

Melissa808nonstopmari yup...let us know if you can't find a match at Kahala. There are lots of folks in need. Mahalo to both of you for supporting the Angel Tree and for making holiday wishes come true!

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nonstopmari 189 pts moderator

KrocCenterHI i just realized it's 12/19 and i forgot to drop off the floor fan! anywhere i can drop off tmrw?

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linasamia 5 pts

The holiday spirit is alive and kicking across the entire island! Thank you for spreading the word about Angel Tree. It's so encouraging to see families giving back during the holiday season. A special shout-out to the Leano family!! Hi Angel!!!

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Melissa808 204 pts moderator

linasamia Those girls were great! And so enthusiastic!

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ChanceLattasima 5 pts

Thank you for covering such an amazing program that I know will help so many families in need! I'm definitely looking forward to picking up an Angel Tree tag this weekend! It's a wonderful time to give!

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Melissa808 204 pts moderator

ChanceLattasima Happy holidays to you!

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deniset73 5 pts

melissa808parkrat Mahalo for the Angel Tree coverage! It's such an easy & great way to brighten the holidays for someone less fortunate. It was awesome to see so many teens and kids with parents at the tree at pearlridge this weekend deciding on their angel tree tags. For a few of the folks I spoke with, visiting the Angel Tree has become an annual tradition. And we are always so grateful for the folks such as the Timson and Smith families who volunteer their time in support of The Salvation Army programs.

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Melissa808 204 pts moderator

deniset73parkratpearlridge thank YOU!! I'm excited to have pulled my first tag. Now I'm trying to figure out what color...! This is a great service you guys have provided.

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About Melissa Chang

Melissa has more than 20 years’ experience in marketing and public relations. She is currently a freelance writer and independent marketing consultant, specializing in social media.