Angel Tree 2023
The Salvation Army Romania Angel Tree event was a resounding success. This successful initiative was undertaken in collaboration with the US Army Chaplains and Civil Affairs, Mihail Kogălniceanu Air Base (MKAB), the Black Sea Area Support Group, 101st and 82nd Airborne Division. Together, we were able to sponsor a total of 285 children on MKAB for the Constanța and Bucharest regions.
Additional sponsorship came from the Romanian Land Forces CIMIC, who extended their support to another 20 children in Bucharest. Together with other community partners, we achieved the sponsorship of a total of 413 children directly from our Salvation Army Romanian Divisional Headquarters in Bucharest, a part of a national campaign at all Salvation Army locations around Romania that helps over 2000 children each Christmas.
Here's the summary of the Romania Angel Tree beneficiaries:
- National Campaign total (6 Salvation Army locations + 1 HQ): 2000+
- Bucharest & Constanța Children (coordinated directly by Romania HQ): 418
- Bucharest Children only: 232
- Constanța Children only: 186
- Târgușor School: 134
- Lumina Church: 52
The following numbers reflect our sponsors under our direct coordination by our HQ:
- MKAB Sponsorships: 285
- CIMIC Sponsorships: 20
- Community Partners Sponsorships: 113
We had a variety of MKAB volunteers for MKAB Angel Tree:
- MKAB’s Sorting & Shopping: 7
- Lumina Church Delivery Volunteers: 16
- Târgușor School Delivery Volunteers: 7
We prepared the trees at both early December at DFAC locations and in the chapel, then collected, sorted, and counted gifts from December 15th until December 18th. On December 19th, we finalised preparations to ensure 100% fulfillment of the children's gift wishes by shopping using any funds donated specifically for this project.
On Wednesday, December 20th at 9:30 am, we loaded the vans from the chapel and delivered the gifts to all the school and kindergarten students at Târgușor (ranging in ages from 3-14, grades pre-K to 8). By 1:30 pm, we were graciously invited to have coffee, tea, hydration, and snacks with the teachers and the school director.
The school gifted us a box of Christmas cards, handmade by the children, to deliver to soldiers back at the base. This was in addition to Christmas cards also kindly made by The Salvation Army Ploiești and Bucharest centers.
On Thursday, December 21st, we transported the remaining gifts to the Lumina Church (Biserica Veche – Orthodox Church). As the families waited for their gifts, the priest and doctor who helped with this social activity prepared a traditional dinner to express their gratitude. They showcased local Christmas traditions to the Americans present, offering delicious sarmale, pork sausages and pork snacks, cheese, bread, and desserts.
The event was a delightful experience for all participants and left a deep impact. We, at The Salvation Army and local communities, feel blessed to carry on this tradition with MKAB. We are thankful for the generosity and support shown by everyone involved in this act of giving and sharing.
Photos at request, please ask Chaplains or send an email.
