It's probably the best part of the Angel Tree program for volunteers and Angels alike...Distribution Day.
The Salvation Army started handing out the presents the Angels put on their wish list today.
And some of us here at News 12 got a chance to play Santa.
Including our Nordia Epps.
They may not look like it, but you might call these volunteers Santa's Little Elves.
Casey Goins, Volunteer, "My grandma asked me if I wanted to sign up and I thought it would be a great idea, you know, help give Chattanooga Christmas for a lot of families that can't have it."
Nearly 5,000 of them...children and seniors... will wake up to gifts under the tree this Christmas...thanks to your generous donations.
That includes Terri Holloway's daughter, Summer.
Terri Holloway, "She's 21 months (laugh)"
We loaded up Summer's wishes in this basket...and rolled them out to "Santa's Sleigh" also known as mom's car.
Holloway, "It means a lot. I'm on a fixed income and ... this means a lot ."
With the help of volunteers, the Salvation Army spends two days passing out the gifts donated for the Angel Tree program.
News 12 employees did our part Tuesday.
Luther, "I've never seen so many bicycles in all my life. Over 500 bicycles that are going to be given just like these have been given way that you've seen in the last few minutes."
For a lot of folks this is the best part of the program.
Major Al Newsome, "Lots of hugs. Some tears here and there from parents. You know, to see this end of it, when you're sitting at the mall, you don't really see the stuff that's going to happen here and so to see this end of it is a great, great opportunity."
And a blessing for families like Terri Holloway's.
Holloway, "I just want to say thanks to all the people down here and have a Merry Christmas."
The distribution continues tomorrow from 9 am to 4 pm in Chattanooga and in Cleveland.
And the Salvation Army is now just $75,000 dollars away from its red kettle goal.
The kettles will be out until Christmas Eve.
