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www.FredParent.NET 17 Although income is the main eligibility requirement for most participants, there are many reasons why a family may look to the program for assistance. "Each year we meet families where one or both parents are struggling with unemployment or underemployment. Often a health crisis has caused a parent to stop work or reduce their hours," said Margie Brewer-Zambon, social services program manager at The Salvation Army, Fredericksburg, VA, Corps. "One unexpected expense can cause a financial crisis. We also meet grandparents who are caring for their grandchildren on a fixed income; families living in motels or with relatives and trying to save for permanent housing; and families where a parent may be incarcerated." The local Angel Tree program serves families from the city of Fredericksburg as well as Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, Stafford and Westmoreland counties. Last year alone, the program assisted 770 families. Each year, Angel Tree relies almost entirely on the community to make this program possible including volunteers like Hemp and Howard, who work year-round to organize and coordinate the local program. "It's safe to say that there are thousands of people in our com- munity who give generously to make Christmas brighter for oth- ers," said Brewer-Zambon. For those who wish to help, simply stop by any participating local business or organization to select an Angel Tag from an Angel Tree. The tags list the participant's name, age and clothing size as well as three items on their wish list. For those who are not able to commit to a tag, Angel Tree always welcomes individual donations of new and unwrapped toys, clothing and basic cleaning and hygiene products. Financial con- tributions and volunteers also are welcome. "Every parent wants to be able to give their children a special, joyful Christmas and to create happy family memories. This is a chance for all of us in the community to help give exactly that to another family. When people give to Angel Tree, often they are giving more than just toys. They are giving hope to a family for a brighter future. They are telling a struggling family that their community cares," said Howard. Donations can be delivered to The Salvation Army or the Customer Service center of any local Wal-Mart. The items then are sorted, bagged and labeled for each partici- pating child, youth and senior at Toyland where families are able to pick up the gifts by mid-December. For more volunteer information, call 540-373-3431. Each year, Angel Tree relies almost entirely on the community to make this program possible...