Angel Tree Christmas gift assistance registration opens October 1

FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. — Beginning October 1, local families needing Christmas assistance can register for the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.

In partnership with Catholic Charities, the Salvation Army is offering its Angel Tree Christmas assistance program to families in Okaloosa and Walton counties. The initiative is designed to help parents struggling to provide gifts for their children this holiday season.

Eligible families can register their children for the program, where community members adopt “angels” to donate toys, clothes, books, and other gifts.

Registration for the Angel Tree program will begin online on October 1 and run through October 31, 2024. Participants are encouraged to visit saangeltree.org to complete the process.

For those unable to register online, in-person registration will be available on Tuesday, October 8, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at The Salvation Army office at 425 Mary Esther Cutoff, Fort Walton Beach.

Lt. Abby Milner of The Salvation Army is encouraging local businesses to participate by hosting Angel Trees in their workplaces.

“It’s a fun way for employees to give back to their community, especially during the Christmas season,” said Lt. Milner.

Those interested in hosting an Angel Tree can call 850-243-4531 ext. 14 for more information.

The Angel Tree program, which has become a staple in the community, relies heavily on donations from individuals and businesses to ensure that children from lower-income families receive gifts at Christmas.

Through the program, children may also receive books, games, school supplies, or educational materials in addition to toys and clothing.