On December 18, 2018, at 9:00 am, retired Washington Redskin Brian Mitchell joined Salvation Army officers at the National Capital Area Command warehouse to begin the distribution of the Angel Tree gifts to disadvantaged families across the DC Metro area. The ribbon cutting ceremony began by celebrating the generosity of the Angel Tree Program sponsors and volunteers and ended with the successful distribution of gifts to more than 6,000 families in the National Capital Area.
Every year, thousands of children across the nation will go without Christmas presents due to economic hardship. Angel Tree is a holiday assistance program that delivers new clothing, toys, and personalized gifts to children that have been purchased by individual sponsors. In many cases, Angel Tree gifts are the only presents some children will receive over the holidays.
In 2018, the Angel Tree Program provided gifts for over 12,500 children across Washington, DC and Prince George’s County, making it one of the largest corporate giving programs in the National Capital Area. Brian was recognized at the ceremony for his social media support of the Angel Tree program and boosting awareness of the organization on his radio show. He said he was proud to lend his influence to the cause throughout the holiday season.
“My mom and dad were givers,” Brian remarked. “I was told early in my life that when you are blessed, become a blessing to others. That’s what I try to do.”
About the Angel Tree Program and Our Charity Events
The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program has been providing holiday gifts to children and families for over 35 years. The needs-based program returns each year in October when volunteers can register online to provide assistance for the event. Learn how to become a sponsor or volunteer at the next Angel Tree event, or use our online contact form to inquire about having Brian attend your charity function.