MANATEE COUNTY (WFLA) – The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program serves 1,800 children across Manatee County with toys for Christmas. This year, the organization is seeking extra help from the public ahead of its big distribution event scheduled for next week as they deal with empty shelves in their toy room.
“We are in dire need of gifts for children ages 9 to 12 years old. Wednesday is the last day before distribution day,” Cadet Alison Hamilton said.
The Angel Tree warehouse appeared fully stocked at first glace, but if you look closely, you’ll notice empty boxes.
“We have six days to fill all of the boxes for our older kids. We had 1,730 bags this year, but there are still 329 to go,” explained Hamilton.
These are some of the toys/gifts needed to fulfill all of the wishes this season.
- skateboard/helmet
- jewelry
- hair accessories
- craft kids
- art sets
- bath sets
- nail sets
- blankets
- make-up sets
- backpacks
- ‘squishmallow’ pillows
- games
- headphones/ ear buds
- small speakers
- nerf guns
- building Sets specific (ages 9-11)
- cologne sets
- remote control cars
- remote control mini drones
- balls
To make the proces easier for donors, The Manatee County Salavation Army has set up a Walmart gift registry where you can find some of the items online. Gifts can be shipped directly to their location, 5328 24th Street East, Bradenton, FL 34203.
Gifts can also be dropped off at the Bradenton location between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday-Friday.
To visit the registry, click here.
