Angel Tree endeavors abound in Brandon

The holidays will be a bit brighter for children, families and local veterans this holiday season, thanks to a abundance of “Angel Tree” endeavors in Brandon. 

The Angel Tree was created in 1979 by the Salvation Army with a goal of providing clothing and toys for underprivileged children at Christmas time. The program’s mission, which has been adopted by many, remains the same today.

 

Brandon Valley High School

For nearly 25 years, the Brandon Valley High School student council has spearheaded the Angel Tree, helping to make spirits bright for more than 100 children that reside in the school district each year.

The BVHS Angel Tree serves as an avenue for students to give back to families in the school district who need assistance. Students choose ornaments with specific gift requests from the Angel Tree at the high school.

In addition to the gift requests, the student council also seeks donations of wrapping paper and gift boxes. 

 

BV Optimists

For the ninth year, Brandon Valley Optimist Club is helping to make the holidays a happier time for local families in need. 

BV Optimist Christmas trees are on display at Brandon Pharmacy, ACE Hardware, Sunshine Foods, The 1948 Trading Company, Today’s Family Dentistry and Anytime Fitness. Again, the tree is adorned with gift request ornaments.

On average, the BV Optimists program provides gifts for 10 to 15 families.

 

Three Rivers VFW Post 4726

VFW Post 4726 has started a clothing and gift drive for veterans who are at the VA Hospital in Sioux Falls and Helping Hand retirement home in Brandon.

Paper ornaments with specific gift requests may be plucked from the tree on display in the Post lounge. Each ornament has suggested clothing and/or gift items to help brighten the holidays for local veterans.

Once items have been purchased and wrapped with the paper ornament attached, return them to the Post lounge by Dec. 19.

For those who want to purchase gifts but don’t want to shop, monetary donations will be accepted and the shopping will be done for you. Donations may be given to the bartender.

 

State Farm Toys for Tots

Bill Thompson’s State Farm Office is taking part in the corporation’s Toys for Tots Program. The premise behind this program is to collect donations of new, unwrapped toys, which will be distributed to less fortunate children in the community. 

Toy donations may be dropped off through Dec. 15 at Bill Thompson’s State Farm office (Splitrock Square, 304 S. Splitrock Blvd., Ste. 203) in Brandon.

 

The Warehouse – Salvation Army

The Warehouse, 1001 N. Splitrock Blvd., has teamed up with the Salvation Army and their Angel Tree program this year. Warehouse manager Andrew Moe said donations of new and unwrapped toys are being accepted through Dec. 15. 

The goal, Moe said, is to provide at least a $20 main gift to each child between the ages of 0-12.

Due to allergy concerns, donations of stuffed animals are discouraged, as are Barbies, which the Salvation Army tends to be overwhelmed with, he said.