Hundreds of children in the Angel Tree program remain unadopted as organizers try to fill the increased need

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS(KBSI) – Right now, hundreds of Angel Tree children in Southern Illinois’s Christmas is hanging in the balance and as the deadline quickly approaches, organizers tell me it may take the act of a small miracle. 

Angel Tree of Southern Illinois says they have a big need this year but not enough funding or support to fill that need.

Marsha Hayes is the Community Engagement Assistant Director for Angel Tree of Southern Illinois. Angel Tree is a Christmas program that allows for community members to adopt a child in need. Donors are asked to aim for around $100 per child to ensure each child gets a few good presents, clothes or needed items.

“Can you imagine a little child waking up Christmas morning and there’s no toys? And they tried really hard to be good? What does that do for a child?” says Hayes.

Hayes shares the pickup room for parents should be overflowing with black bags full of Christmas presents by now but instead it’s not even half full. Hayes shares that many of the families they serve have faced homelessness, have children with medical needs or disabilities and the with the cost of living increasing and the recent pause in the SNAP program all contributed to a bigger need this year.

Hayes shares that this was also the biggest need they’ve seen for special needs children needing Christmas items.

“A lot of them are our clients we inherit from arrow leaf, and, I know I usually have 1 or 2 that are autistic. I have eight this year that are autistic children, and they need special toys. They need sensory things. So just something different than what’s on your average list” says Hayes.

With the deadline fast approaching on Wednesday December 10, Hayes is calling on the community for help.

Angel Tree of Southern Illinois covers the 7 most southern counties of Southern Illinois.

Hayes says they need nothing short of a Christmas miracle.

“All their friends at school, they’re all talking about things that they may get and then this one’s going to go back to school after Christmas break and not have anything to tell.” says Hayes.” I, I can’t do that. I can’t even fathom that. So, we will do everything we can to make sure every one of these kids have a Christmas.” 

There are multiple ways to donate to help a child in need, Hayes say’s no donation is too small, every little bit helps.

To donate:

Stop by any Southern Illinois Arrowleaf location to adopt a child or make a donation.

There are multiple locations

Arrowleaf Administrative Office 300 Red Bud Lane, Vienna, IL

Arrowleaf center in Anna located on the corner of East Davie Street, Anna, IL

Or simply donate through the website Donate | Arrowleaf.org