Community Comes Together for Holiday Cheer: Salvation Army Delivers Gifts

Volunteers from the Salvation Army delivered holiday gifts and food to over 300 families on Friday at the Salvation Army Community Center in Des Plaines, Illinois. This initiative was part of the annual Angel Tree program, which allows generous donors to purchase toys, clothes, and other presents for children in need.

Arlington Heights resident Guadalupe Ocampo, a mother of six, expressed her gratitude, stating, 'I'm so thankful that we have some angels like them,' as she received support after being laid off. Volunteers, bundled against the bitter cold, greeted parents at their cars, offered prayers, and loaded vehicles with bags filled with pajamas, coats, gloves, hats, clothes, and toys.

Additionally, families received boxes containing meal essentials, including potato flakes, stuffing, canned vegetables, cake mix, and frozen meats. Cecilia Dinardi, a pastor and event organizer, noted the joy on families' faces, emphasizing the importance of the support provided.

Among the recipients was Cindy Escobar, a single parent from Mount Prospect, who mentioned that the assistance would significantly help her during the holidays. The event also highlighted the concerns of immigrant families, with approximately 70% of the participating families being Hispanic.

Many families, despite fears related to local immigration crackdowns, made the effort to collect gifts and food due to their urgent needs.