Making sure every child is smiling on Christmas morning is a top priority for Beverly Mayfield, envoy at The Salvation Army in International Falls.

“Everyone likes to see a child have a merry Christmas,” Mayfield said. 

However, Mayfield acknowledged that not every family is financially able to supply their children with gifts during the holiday season and that is where The Salvation Army and a giving community play a role. 

Thursday, Mayfield helped set up an “angel tree” at Menards and Kmart. The trees are decorated with wish lists created by Koochiching County children whose families struggle to make ends meet during the holiday season. 

“The angel tree program helps those who do not have money to purchase toys for Christmas,” Mayfield said.

Mayfield and others at The Salvation Army collaborate with county social workers to determine which families would benefit from the angel trees. Eligible families submit applications for their children to make a list of what they would like for Christmas, she said.

“The International Falls community is very welcoming and supportive of this program,” Mayfield said. “We are so blessed when we share with others and make their Christmas brighter.”

She added that it warms her heart to see families taking their young children shopping for angel tree gifts.

“It is something for generations,” she said.

As tears welled in Mayfield’s eyes, she recalled past years when families collect the gifts just days before Christmas.

“I have had people cry and tell me they don’t know what they would have done if it weren’t for this program,” she said.

Mayfield couldn’t stress enough the generosity that pours from the community around the holidays.

“People really do make a difference,” she said. “People may not know the child they are shopping for, but they know they are making a difference.”

The anonymous wish lists hanging from each angel tree are compiled by children ages birth to 16 and range from toys to clothes to the latest electronics. Shoppers have until Dec. 17 to purchase items and drop them off at The Salvation Army at 1301 3rd Avenue West.

Families can collect the gifts Dec. 21 and Mayfield said pickup hours will be will be mailed to families.

For people who don’t have time to shop, but would like to make a monetary donation, checks and cash may be dropped off or sent to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 592 International Falls, MN 56649.

“Any donation we receive helps us make sure all the wish lists have been taken care of,” Mayfield said. “We go shopping for all remaining lists on the tree to make sure every child is included.”

Applications for inclusion in the program may be filled out by Nov. 30. Applications are available at The Salvation Army, Koochiching County Community Services, Kootasca Community Action Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency, Friends Against Abuse, the Minnesota WorkForce Center, and through Kathy Elhard in Northome. Questions should be directed to Mayfield at 283-3394.

Food baskets

With the help of SuperOne Foods, The Salvation Army is also offering food baskets to anyone in the county who is eligible to receive one. The baskets will include turkey and all the fixings for a Christmas dinner.

“These baskets are not just for families with children like the angel tree is,” Mayfield explained. “These can be for single individuals, too.”

Basket pickup is scheduled for Dec. 21.

“I just can’t thank the community enough for their support of The Salvation Army and the work God has here for us to do in this community,” Mayfield said.