Cassie Herndon Tarpley
Thursday, December 22, 2016 8:36 am

SHELBY - Black plastic bags look anything but festive from the outside, but fill them with dolls, games and new outfits for kids and they transform into Christmas happiness.

That's what happened Wednesday in Cleveland County and Thursday in Rutherford County as The Salvation Army distributed gifts through its annual Angel Tree program.

The 2016 Angel Tree process began in October when families needing help applied to the corps to help their children's wishes come true.

Using the first name, age, sizes and dream gift wish of each child, from infants to 12-year-olds, the Army then created the familiar paper angels to hang on trees at places such as Marshall's, Fatz and Denny's restaurants, Belk, the Cleveland County Arts Council and other sites. Hundreds more angels were adopted by groups from businesses, churches and clubs.

That generosity meant "so much" to Jermaine, a father of eight who said this is his first time coming to the Army for help with Christmas.

"We have a bunch of kids and can't afford to give them all a good Christmas this year," he said, maneuvering three bikes and brimming black bags into a small SUV.

"I'm going to make it fit!" he grinned.

"With car payments, rent and bills, even working 12 hours a day does not cover everything, and Christmas for our kids can be expensive," he said.

As they were leaving, Jermaine's wife turned back, flashed a big smile and said, "Thank you very much, and happy holidays!"

WANT TO HELP? Send checks to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 1764, Shelby, NC 28151.