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16 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • December 2017 & January 2018 Angel Tree written By aManDa DanahEr When zena hemp of hartwood first became involved with Angel Tree, she only intended to buy a few holiday gifts for a senior in her community. But when she delivered the gifts, she saw an even bigger need. "The Salvation Army office was so busy that day they asked if I could drop my gifts off at Toyland," said Hemp. "When I walked in and I saw that 75 percent or more of the seniors had not been adopted, I was devastated. Most of the seniors asked for the basic, everyday things we take for granted like laundry soap, toothpaste and toasters. I couldn't adopt all of them, but I could prevent this from happening again." That same day, Hemp stayed to assist volunteers at Toyland, the Angel Tree Warehouse and then volunteered the remainder of the year. Today, she serves as co-chair of the Fredericksburg Angel Tree program alongside co-chair Cheryl Howard. Angel Tree, an annual assistance pro- gram through The Salvation Army, provides children, ages 0–12, as well as youth with disabilities, ages 0–18, with new clothing and toys for the holidays. Seniors 60 years old and older also can participate if they meet the income requirements. Giving the Gift of a Brighter Christmas