The Salvation Army in Orlando recently opened this year's ‘Angel Tree’ Program. The annual charity event will reportedly benefit struggling seniors in the city. 

Providing Christmas Cheer

According to the Salvation Army website, the faith-based nonprofit hosts the program every year. It aims to provide Christmas cheer to selected families living in poverty.

The charitable organization also hopes to ease financial and emotional stress among them. 

In a report with Click Orlando, seniors shared how much the program benefitted them, especially during the holidays. 

Helping Seniors in Need

Arthur Washington told the news outlet that he was thankful for the Salvation Army. He described it as "the best organization in the world." 

Washington admitted he could not recall the last time someone gave him a Christmas gift. The senior said he received great presents through the Angel Tree Program. 

He shared that he had a hard life and was even homeless at one point. Like many struggling seniors in Orlando, he lived on the streets before moving into the Salvation Army's William Booth Towers.

George Carrion said that he never realized how many homeless people there were in the city until he lived in the shelter. He called living in William Booth Towers a "good experience." 

Meanwhile, Laura Del Valle is currently a resident at the William Booth Towers for almost 30 years. She has been a long-time volunteer of the charitable organization. 

She said the holidays are her favorite time of the year. Del Valle hoped to receive a new microwave this Christmas. 

The senior added that everyone was always so generous during the holidays. De Valle shared that she met a lot of good people through the program. 

For 77-year-old Jose Torres, he said that he is always grateful for the help of the program. He said that it felt great to have people who cared for his needs and helped him when he was struggling. 

Lastly, this year will be 70-year-old Ronal Waites' first time to be part of the program. He said he was thankful not to be out on the streets. 

He encouraged his fellow seniors not to lose faith and keep praying. Waites added that people should not lose hope because times would be better. 

According to Click Orlando, a thousand seniors are participating in this year's program. 

Adopting Angels

The charitable organization posted on their Facebook page thanking their partners The Mall at Millenia, Chick Fil A, and WKMG Local 6. They also urged interested donors to help spread love and cheer for people in need. 

The charitable organization set up its Angel Tree at The Mall at Millenia. Interested donors may choose to adopt "angels" and give them their requested gifts for Christmas. 

The Salvation Army also announced that 5,000 children are also participating in this year's program. 

According to the website, the Angel Tree Program helps put gifts and toys for families who could not afford presents. The organization wants to help bring the message and spirit of Christmas into these homes. 

Those who wish to adopt the "angels" for the Angel Tree Program could make their Christmas season a little brighter.

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