(BAYOU LA BATRE, Ala.) - Christmas came early in the bayou. The Salvation Army delivered dozens of presents for its Angel Tree Program.
"It's wonderful. It just touches my heart," said Becky Goleman.
Goleman says without the program, her grandson wouldn't have much of a Christmas.
"I've never been through so many hard times as I have this last year," said Goleman. "It's a miracle they're doing what they're doing because I know a lot of people here need help bad."
This year there was a greater need in the area. The Salvation Army says ever since Hurricane Katrina hit, New York Fire Fighters have delivered Christmas gifts, but this year, they had to deal with a monster storm of their own, Superstorm Sandy and weren't able to come to the bayou. Tuesday, more than 100 people showed up at the Irvington Community Center to pick up presents.
"I think for families that are struggling at Christmas due to loss of job or lack of income are really appreciative. We've seen some families come through that are very happy that they've received toys for their children," said Major Susan Brown.
Brown says it's all made possible by generous people in our community.
"Without donors purchasing gifts for the children and without volunteers that help sort these gifts, there would not be an Angel Tree Program," said Brown.
The Salvation Army says this year there were 2,000 angels that needed to be adopted. About 100 were either not adopted or were adopted but then forgotten about, but even those children will get a gift through toy drives. It just may not be the one they put on their wish list.
