Every year during the holiday season, each of the Ross Medical Education Center campus locations is overwhelmed by the holiday spirit and generosity of their staff, faculty, and students. This year at Ross Medical Education Center in Granger, Indiana was no different. They had a lot of different ways that they considered making a difference in their community, but none of them stuck out like the Angel Tree initiative hosted by the Salvation Army organization.
The Salvation Army’s annual Angel Tree charity event provides an opportunity for those who want to make a difference for underprivileged children during the holiday season. This giving opportunity doesn’t require a significant commitment of money or time, so it’s an excellent choice for a wide range of donors, from those with very small budgets as well as for those who are able to make a significant contribution. After beginning in 1979 and helping over 700 children in its first year, the Angel Tree program has grown tremendously over nearly 40 years to reach over 20,000 children annually.
Every donor requests at least one angel and then spend time selecting gifts for the “angel” child that they selected. This year, the Ross Granger campus asked the organization for 10 angels to buy gifts for. Throughout the weeks leading up to the end of the campus event, everyone found it in their hearts and budgets to make sure the campus was able to come together and donate to all 10 children. The staff, students, and faculty came to campus with items such as clothing, shoes, coats, bedding, and a variety of other needed things for these children and families. It was a great turn out and heartwarming to see so many in the spirit of giving to others outside of their families for Christmas. The campus plans on continuing this event each year as a holiday tradition.