Oh! Angel Tree, let’s make this the most wonderful time of the year for all youngsters

It’s better to give than to receive—a sentiment shared by the Trueline workforce and especially on display this time of year.

For this should be the most wonderful time of the year for everyone. Unfortunately too many households are struggling to meet basic needs, much less holiday cheer for the youngsters.

So for the second straight year, we’re doing our part, with a Salvation Army Angel Tree in our main office, and all tags snatched up early—each corresponding to the wishes of an individual child.

Action figures, a scooter and helmet, a sled, and a Barbie are among the requests that we feel honored to fulfill. Many of our dollars will be spent at locally owned stores where the proceeds will be redistributed in the Portland economy. And a couple of our colleagues who work remotely—Ross in California and Victor in the D.C. area—are supporting their regional Salvation Army.

“Sometimes it’s easy to forget that there are people in our community who need our help,” reminds Trueline founder and CEO Haj Carr. “The Angel Tree is something tangible we can do to help—you can literally touch it and see a glimpse of the child you’re impacting.”

As for the Salvation Army, its mission is “Doing the most good,” and you’ve seen it in action with bell-ringers braving the cold this time of year (don’t hesitate to buy them a well-deserved coffee, as one of our writers does).

As for the Salvation Army, its mission is “Doing the most good.”

There are also the army’s less conspicuous efforts in such areas as food distribution, rehab centers and myriad children’s programs that, of course, include Angel Tree.

And about that Angel Tree: The program commenced amid the economic insecurities of another era, the late 1970s, by Salvation Army Lt. Cols. Charles and Shirley White. For four decades those Angel Trees have become among the charity’s most recognizable initiatives, decking the halls of business the world over, each part of a forest of goodwill transcending real and ideological boundaries.

Even if you missed the chance to take a tag, the Salvation Army’s Portland storefront at 297 Cumberland Ave., is still accepting gifts and other donations. You can also visit the organization’s regional websites, many of which feature “Forgotten Angel” tree tags.

And from all of us at Trueline, a very happy holiday season!