Basil James carries Christmas gifts past rows of Angel Tree packages at a Salvation Army warehouse. About 700 angels with requests taken from the trees have not been returned. Distribution starts tomorrow. MATT BARNARD/Tulsa World
The Salvation Army has put out an emergency request to get angels back from their trees.
Or, at least get toys and gifts to replace those lost angels.
A
story from reporter Mike Averill states that 700 children represented by angels on the organization’s trees have not been returned.
While there are always a few angel requests never returned, this is unprecedented, according to Salvation Army spokeswoman D.J. Morrow.
The organization has enough extra toys to cover about 250, well short of what is needed.
It’s a wonder why people pick these angels off trees with the intention of giving and never follow through.
Maybe they had an unforeseen financial hiccup.
Could be they forgot about it.
Perhaps, people assume they can return the items as late as Christmas Eve.
The reasons don’t really matter because the end result is a child’s unfilled stocking.
Parents and guardians of the children are receiving the gifts starting Wednesday so they can be wrapped and ready under their trees.
Some may be leaving the distribution center empty handed.
The biggest toy need is for boys and girls ages 10 to 12.
Gifts can be dropped off at the Salvation Army’s Joy Center at 924 S. Hudson Ave.
By texting JOY to 85944, a $10 gift will be used to buy toys.
For more information, call 918-587-7801.
