The angels behind the tree
Carters make volunteering an annual tradition
Consider them the guardian angels behind the tree.
Volunteers Mike and Lynda Carter, of Canning, are back at the County Fair Mall this Christmas season, once again collecting toys and gifts through the Angel Tree.
The tree has been a longstanding annual tradition at the New Minas mall. The Carters have been looking after it on behalf of the Kentville Salvation Army for about 15 years.
The Angel Tree started as a project of Family and Children’s Services and, even then, the Carters were involved. Mike was first introduced to it as a board member with the organization and he started volunteering. Lynda recalls taking in gifts to put under the tree.
After the province took over responsibility for Family and
Children’s Services, there were no more board members and not enough employees to look after the tree. The organization discontinued its involvement, but the Salvation Army stepped in to take over, as it was a major recipient of the effort.
When asked why they continue to make managing the tree a family tradition, Lynda said it’s for the children, and because they simply love volunteering to do it. Mike said it gives them a chance to see some familiar faces and socialize with people who return to support the initiative year after year.
The couple particularly enjoys it when people who have been helped by the Salvation Army in the past share their stories.
“One of my favourite things is when somebody will come in and put even a couple of dollars in the bucket and they’ll say, ‘I’m trying to give back because they helped me when I was a little guy’,” Mike said.
Lynda said it’s a blessing to picture the faces of the children who will receive the toys on Christmas morning. Mike said there are a lot of kids in the Annapolis Valley who normally don’t receive very much who get real help from the Salvation Army.
The Carters are pleased to see so many young people getting involved in the giving. Some parents are making it a learning experience for younger children.
Mike recalls being impressed last year by a nine-year-old boy who used his birthday money to buy gifts for the tree. Lynda said other children have used their birthday parties to collect toys for the cause in lieu of presents. Some schools are also hosting Angel Trees to collect toys for the Salvation Army.
IMPORTANT EFFORT
Major Sharon MacLeod of the Kentville Salvation Army said the toys collected through the
Angel Tree make a huge difference. For example, last year, they provided toys and gifts to 632 children age 16 and under.
“Buying toys for kids can be quite expensive and if we didn’t have this help, then the money that we’d have to put into it, we would have to take it from somewhere else,” MacLeod said.
She said the Kentville Salvation Army is putting on a toy store on Dec. 18 and 19 to help families in need but it will work differently than in the past. Parents are being asked if there is a particular toy that the child would like to have. The Salvation Army will try its best to get that toy and hold it for the parent.
“It’s a little more work, but I think it’s worth it,” MacLeod said.
For more information or to find out how you can donate, call 902-678-2039 Ext. 1.