Poplar Bluff, Missouri - Three Rivers College students have been working very hard this holiday season.  Along with attending classes and studying they have been collecting gifts for children to donate to the Angel Tree Program.

Along with the familiar Red Kettles of the Salvation Army, the Angel Tree Program was created in 1979 by Majors Charles and Shirley White.  In the very beginning they worked with a shopping mall in Lynchburg, Virginia to provide clothing and toys for children at Christmas.

The program got its name because the Whites identified the wishes of local children by writing their gift needs on Hallmark greeting cards that featured pictures of angels.  They placed the cards on a Christmas tree at the mall to allow shoppers to select children to help.  Thanks to them, more than 700 children had a brighter Christmas that first year.

Then three years later the Whites were transferred to Nashville, Tennessee and the Angel Tree Program was launched as the radio station WSM, which airs the Grand Ol' Opry, came on board as the first co-sponsor.  Now some 33 years later the Angel Tree Program is still helping underprivileged children all over the country.

Marcia Fields, Director of Student Services at Three Rivers College and Derek Vaughn, SGA Director of Activities, stand in front of a truly mountainous pile of gifts donated by Three Rivers College students and staff.  This year the students and staff have truly given from their hearts as this holiday season is all about giving and sharing. 

Children from newborn to 12 years of age who are less fortunate are able to participate and receive specially wrapped gifts.  With the help of volunteers, their Christmas will be even more delightful!

If you are interested in participating or donating, you may contact the Salvation Army directly online at http://www.uss.salvationarmy.org or call your local Salvation Army Area Command.