The Angel Tree program in Dauphin is back ahead of the holiday season.
The tree is located at the Dauphin MarketPlace Mall beside Safeway. This year, 270 children have applied and are hoping to receive a Christmas present.
That's up 40 from last year. All the angels are on the tree, and each angel has an age and gender.
You can pick an angel and make sure that child wakes up on December 25 with a present under the tree.
"Buy a gift for that child. If no one is sitting at the tree, you can drop it off at the Friendship Centre or Parkland Title Loans," said Robin Gambler. "If you don't want to buy a gift, you can donate money. It can be dropped off at the Friendship Centre or Parkland Title Loans. We give charitable tax receipts."
The Angel Tree program in Dauphin has been around for decades. Each year, generous Dauphinities give back.
"You know what, I've been doing this for 25 years, and it is so important," continued Gambler. "Every child deserves to open a present, every child."
Once presents or monetary donations are received, Robin and her crew will provide the child with their gift. It's a magical feeling. One that every child who gets a present through the program will never forget.
"When we're giving out the hampers, every family cheers up when they see what they're getting," ended Gambler. "It makes it all worthwhile for us. We continue to push this, times are hard right now."
If you have some spare time, Robin says the program is looking for volunteers.
They need people to sit at the tree in the mall to receive donations. If you can, phone the Friendship Centre at 638-5707.
