FORT NOVOSEL, Ala.--Angel trees are a long-standing tradition on military bases worldwide, a way for some service members to give and for others to receive during the holidays.
This Dec., 123 angels were placed on trees across Fort Novosel with anonymous tags featuring a gender, age, and wish list of one local military child. Community participants selected a tag, shopped for that child, and returned with the gift(s) early in the month to be sorted by volunteers.
Gifts were distributed Dec. 19 to each unit where they were given to the families to put under their tree for Christmas day.
According to Jo Close, Army Community Service AER officer and Angel Tree coordinator, the entire Fort Novosel community came together for a successful 2024 Angel Tree.
“The project coordinators from Army Community Service and the Fort Novosel Religious Support Office,” said Close “wanted to extend their deep gratitude to every organization, unit, and individual that blessed kids and families across Fort Novosel delivering joy to them this Christmas season.”
Gifts varied in size and age range, toys included everything from doll clothes to art supplies and even bicycles. Half of the toys were brought in by soldiers and their families, but the other half were donated by local non-profit organizations wanting to spread holiday cheer on Fort Novosel this season, according to Close.
“You know the saying it takes a village? That’s what this is, a village,” Said Close. “This is a Garrison Program, orchestrated by ACS, the religious support office and a few other on post entities. They are what made this year happen.”
Close continued, “From all of us at Fort Novosel, thank you and Happy Holidays.”
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