For nearly two decades, The Western Pennsylvania Division of The Salvation Army has made Christmas merry for thousands of needy children through its Angel Tree program. Chuck Colson of Prison Ministries and The Salvation Army have shared the Angel Tree moniker for many years, although our programs are completely different. The Salvation Army's Western Pennsylvania Division covers 28 counties in Western Pennsylvania. Last year, its Angel Tree program provided toys for more than 65,000 children. Needy families apply for toy assistance at their neighborhood Salvation Army Worship and Service Center.
Donors select a tag and purchase toys for the child.
The Salvation Army then picks up the gifts, and distributes them through their Worship and Service Centers. Gifts are collected unwrapped to ensure appropriateness and safety. In Allegheny County, toys are collected and prepared in a massive warehouse facility in East Liberty. Volunteers from the Pennsylvania Air National Guard 171 st Refueling Wing will be handling toy transport throughout the season. This year, we are fortunate that Verizon Wireless is once again donating 25 cellular phones so that our volunteers, staff and officers can maintain communications throughout Allegheny County.