Star power to help Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program

Wacha brothers to take photos, sign autographs on Thursday

The Salvation Army Angel Tree program is getting help from two local athletes.

Michael and Lucas Wacha will raise money and gifts for the Angel Tree program by signing autographs and taking pictures with the public from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Gusano’s Pizzeria. Autographs and pictures will be available for those who donate a new toy or make a $20 donation to the Angel Tree program, which supplies presents to needy children and seniors in the community.

Maj. David Feeser, commander of the local Salvation Army, said the event will benefit the Angel Tree program greatly.

“It will bring even more awareness to the angel tree program. We appreciate the Wacha family with their support of Angel Tree and those that are less fortunate in Texarkana,” Feeser said.

Michael Wacha is a professional baseball pitcher for the St. Louis Cardinals. He played college baseball for the Texas A&M Aggies. The Cardinals selected Wacha in the first round of the 2012 Major League Baseball Draft from Texas A&M.

Lucas Wacha is a linebacker for the Hamilton Tiger Cats and plays for the Canada Football League. Prior to this he was a free agent and picked up by the Dallas Cowboys in preseason. Lucas will also be cutting his long hair to donate to the Locks for Love Foundation at 8 p.m.

Gusano’s is also donating 10 percent of its profits for the night to the Angel Tree program.

“We’re expecting a pretty big event,” Feeser said.

For people who would like to bring a gift to the event, presents for older children are needed.

“Specifically what we’re looking for are things that are for 10 to 12 year olds and also the next age group down, 7 to 9 year olds. It doesn’t matter if it’s for a girl or a boy. We always have trouble filling that area but people can bring whatever they like,” Feeser said.

For more information, call the Salvation Army at 870774-2701.