It’s not uncommon to see volunteers with the Salvation Army ringing bells outside the area’s grocery stores, inviting shoppers to contribute to the Salvation Army’s popular red kettle program.
But the Salvation Army goes beyond spare change when it comes to helping spread the joy for Christmas.
According to their website, the Salvation Army believes “every child deserves to experience the joy of Christmas morning.” Through their Angel Tree program, the Salvation Army helps provide Christmas gifts for hundreds of thousands of children around the country.
At Sapulpa’s Salvation Army, staff and volunteers take that mission to heart, filling their chapel with boxes and packages for a total of 318 Angel Tree recipients in Creek County.
Service Center Director Liz Law said she’s “truly amazed” by the incredible support from the community.
“Of all the places I’ve managed the Angel Tree program, Creek County stands out as the only location where we haven’t had to go out and shop for unfulfilled angels,” she said. “Your generosity continues to inspire and amaze us!”
The packages for each angel include clothing, toys, and a coat for each kid. Parents and guardians whose children are recipients of the Angel Tree share their gratitude as their gifts are delivered.
“I am completely overwhelmed with gratitude for the Angel Tree program and the Salvation Army,” one parent said. “This year has been incredibly tough for our family financially, and I was worried that Christmas wouldn’t be special for my kids.”
“But thanks to the kindness and generosity of our community, my children were blessed beyond measure through the Angel Tree program. The Salvation Army’s efforts to organize and facilitate this program are truly a blessing, and I feel so grateful to have been a recipient of their kindness.
“Because of this program, my kids will have a wonderful Christmas, and I will be forever grateful. Thank you to everyone involved in making this program possible – you have truly made a difference in our lives!”
Another parent talked about what they call an “incredibly positive impact” the Angel Tree had on their family this year.
“The generous gifts we received have eased some of the financial burdens we’ve been facing, and the thoughtfulness behind them has filled our hearts with gratitude,” they said. “It’s a reminder that even in tough times, there are people who care and want to make a difference. This experience has not only brought us much-needed support but has also reminded us of the importance of community and compassion. We are truly thankful for the kindness shown to us through this beautiful program.”
Another recipient said they had to have emergency surgery, which left them unable to work, and worried that they wouldn’t be able to provide for their family this Christmas.
“Thankfully the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree was able to help my family in a way that I could never repay them for! They helped keep the Christmas magic alive while I was able to heal and recover. They took that stress and worry away but helping with our Christmas. I’m so thankful for the Angel Tree and I hope to be able to help someone else have the Christmas they deserve next year, but for this year I am grateful.”
Mallory Parker is the Community Center Director who handled a lot of the logistics for the program locally. “As someone who has grown up here, I’m proud to see our community step up to care for these kids,” she said.
“It’s especially meaningful to see familiar faces—like those I once sat next to in middle school—taking on last-minute Angels. Sapulpa and Creek County truly embody what it means to be a supportive, united community. Thank you for making a difference!”
Community Gets Involved
The Angel Tree program is such a fun and endearing time of the year, that plenty of others get in on the spirit of generosity with their own fun.
Chris Benton, a plumbing instructor at Central Technology Center, told his class if they would raise $250 for their two adopted Angel Tree angles, he would dye his beard any color they chose. His students took him up on the challenge and raised nearly $500. Benton made good on his word and could be seen shortly after with a bright magenta goatee as he walked the halls of Central Tech.
Still an opportunity to give with Sapulpa’s “Christmas Angels” program
The City of Sapulpa has it’s own “Christmas Angels” program not affiliated with the Salvation Army, but with a similar mission to help provide a happy Christmas for local children. If you’re interested in being a part of that program, reach out to Lucy Lawson at the City of Sapulpa by email at llawson@sapulpaok.gov.
