Local restaurant 517 Subs is making it easier for mountain residents to get in the holiday spirit by hosting a Salvation Army Angel Tree, where customers can select a child in need to purchase gifts for this Christmas.
"For children whose parents don't have a lot of money, it takes pressure off parents who can't afford to buy them anything," said 517 Subs owner Sara Holmes, as to why she hosts an Angel Tree at the restaurant each year. "It also helps [customers who shop for 'angels'] to have a brighter Christmas and share Christ with these families."
Each angel on the restaurant's tree lists a child's name along with his or her age, shoe and clothing sizes, and a few items the child wants and needs. Customers can take as many angels as they would like, and return the gifts to the restaurant by Dec. 5 to be distributed to the families before Christmas by The Salvation Army.
Holmes said her customers have always been enthusiastic about supporting the cause and the restaurant typically runs out of angels well before the deadline, so she has to call The Salvation Army to request more.
"People in this community are so generous," she said.
517 Subs is at 1238 Taft Highway, Suite 184.