DOW employees give back through Angel Tree program

Employees of the Department of Water (DOW) prepared 60 gifts Monday for The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.

“This is our third year participating in the Angel Tree program,” said Kim Tamaoka, DOW’s public relations specialist. “We’d like to thank our staff for their generosity, especially during the holiday season. We’d also like to acknowledge Mary-Jane Akuna, DOW’s private secretary, for once again coordinating this wonderful opportunity to give back to the community.”

The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program provides a way for communities to share personal gifts with those less fortunate. Families that apply for Christmas assistance request gifts for their children with a list of needs. The Salvation Army then creates paper angels with the child’s description and wish list, and displays them on Christmas trees in various places. Volunteers make their selection, prepare a gift and return it to the Angel Tree.

Typical gift descriptions include clothing, shoes, hats, toys and bicycles. Donors are asked to fulfill any or all of the child’s wish list. The last day to collect gifts from Angel Tree sponsors is Dec. 17. Presents will be distributed by The Salvation Army staff and volunteers prior to Christmas Day.

“Each year the Kaua‘i Department of Water provides for so many of our angels for Christmas,” said Major Mario Reyes, The Salvation Army’s Līhu‘e Corps officer and Kaua‘i County coordinator. “The Angel Tree is so important because it brings such joy to deserving kids on Kaua‘i.”

For more information about The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, call 245-2571. For more information about the Department of Water, call 245-5455.