ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – Hundreds of kids and even adults are set to have some gifts under their Christmas trees thanks to the St. Johns County Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.
One mom cannot say thank you enough.
“It has been a really hard year,” said Tara Greene, with tears in her eyes. “So, I’m just really grateful. It has just been a struggle. I’ve had a hard time paying bills and stuff. It has been a really hard year.”
But Greene says what was loaded in the back seat of her car is going to make her 7-year-old daughter jump for joy.
“To see her little face, she will be so grateful and happy,” Greene said.
The St. Johns County chapter of the Salvation Army is making the season bright for 550 kids as a part of its Angel Tree program.
It distributed the gifts outside Destiny Church US Highway. At least 30 volunteers dished out lots of toys, clothes and $50 gift cards for groceries for families.
Sergeant Richard White has been with Salvation Army for 41 years. This is his second Christmas with St. Johns chapter after spending time in Oklahoma, Georgia, Kentucky and Virginia over the years.
White says it had to help more and more kids as the years go on, which includes 150 additional kids this year compared to 2023.
“I thought that going into this new year there was a lot of hope going around right now,” White said. “But I think it is an indication that 2024 has been a rough year for families. This [distribution] won’t provide everything, but it will make a big dent, some of the things and make a lot of happy children. We are thankful would be able to do that.”
It’s not just kids who are going to be recipients this year. Some of the additional angels are called “Silver Bells” who are 65 years old and older. They will be getting things like towels, blankets, household appliances, and even food, among other wishes.
In this drive-thru line, News4Jax ran into Londeshua Kendrick, who is enjoying some new additions to her immediate family.
Just last week, News4Jax told you about Kendrick adopting her seven nephews with three kids of her own.
Kendrick is honoring a promise she made to her mother and siblings that if anything ever happened to one of them, the other would take in their kids.
“A couple of them wanted riding toys, remote controlled cars,” Kendrick said. “One of then wanted a remote helicopter. They are not hard kids.”
Regardless of what is in the bags and boxes, Kendrick and Greene say they are overcome with gratitude. White says the feeling is mutual.
“This is the best day of the year for the Salvation Army,” White said.
“I am just blessed,” Kendrick said. “I’m so happy. I am thankful.”
The Angel Tree distribution started at 9 a.m. and lasts until 5 p.m. Thursday.