By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
Jose Mendez didn’t ask for a PlayStation or an iPod. All he wanted for Christmas was a bed, some clothes and food for his family.
The young boy was in school when his mother, Amelia Pichardo, pulled up to the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree distribution site to get the bed and other things the 7-year-old had requested.
Pichardo, a single mom who has had difficulty finding work, was unable to get her three children exactly what they wanted for Christmas.
So some kind folks in Rowan County stepped in to help.
In the Angel Tree program, a child’s name is placed on a tree along with his or her wish list and other information. Someone picks that name and buys the child gifts from the wish list. The gifts are then returned to the Salvation Army, where volunteers and staff sort through and bag up all the presents.
Any child whose name was not selected by an individual receives items on their wish list with funds provided through donations.
Pichardo was proud that Jose included his little sister, 4-year-old Victoria, on his Christmas wish list.
“He asked for bunk beds for him and his sister,” she said. “That’s what they need.”
A group from Food Lion fulfilled Jose Mendez’s wish. The bed did not fit inside Pichardo’s vehicle Wednesday, but she plans to pick it up later this week.
Irene Gwinn also has three children who will receive Christmas gifts through the Angel Tree program.
“It’s very thoughtful, because without them I probably wouldn’t be able to do this,” she said.
Charlene Parker’s daughter didn’t receive Christmas presents because she is older than 12, but the family was able to get some groceries.
“It feels great. It’s possible through the goodness of the Lord. It’s a blessing,” Parker said.
Parker said she realizes some children and families don’t receive anything during the holidays. In the midst of receiving, she said, she also tries to give.
“I try to help others and show my appreciation,” she said.
Parker was among those who waited in long lines in their vehicles Wednesday to pick up Angel Tree gifts. They were met by volunteers as Salisbury Police officers directed traffic.
In years past, people went inside and for their gifts. But Capt. Jason Smith, with the Salvation Army, said previously that with the distribution taking place at the former Power Curbers building on Bringle Ferry Road, organizers didn’t want to risk people getting hurt around machines that remain there.
This year’s Angel Tree distribution took the form of a drive-through. Lines stretched down Long Street and snaked across the road from Power Curbers, where people like Brad and Sheila Morrow waited their turn.
The couple have two children. Brad recently lost his job, but was grateful for the people who gave to his family.
“It’s a blessing. It’s a good thing they are doing,” he said.
“The children are excited,” Sheila said as her eyes filled with tears.
Monique Madden’s said after her husband pays all the family’s expenses, there’s not a lot left for much else.
So the Angel Tree program “means a lot to us. It’s hard times.”
Her four children are appreciative of anything anyone does for them, Madden said.
Her words to those who donated: “Thank you.”