Each year just after Halloween, customers at Signal Mountain’s 517 Subs are reminded of the coming holiday season by the arrival of the miniature Christmas tree atop the restaurant’s cooler of to-go cokes behind the register. The tree is adorned not with lights or ornaments, but the names of children in the Chattanooga area who, if not for The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, would wake up Christmas morning and find nothing under the tree.
“I just wanted to give people the opportunity to participate up on the mountain,” said 517 Subs owner Sarah Holmes, as to why the restaurant started participating in the Angel Tree program about six years ago. “It helps to ensure that these children have a Christ-centered Christmas and that their wants and needs are met. All of the gifts go here locally, and it’s neat to know you’re helping people here in our community.”
People can go by the restaurant anytime and choose a card from the tree listing the name and clothing size of a child in need in the local area, along with a few items the child wants and needs. Holmes said people can purchase items at a discount during holiday sales, or just pick up items as they shop for their other gifts.
Items should be returned to 517 in the clear plastic bag provided by Dec. 5. The donations are then transported from the restaurant to The Salvation Army, saving donors a trip downtown.
The only requirements are that all gifts be new and unwrapped, and The Salvation Army asks that people purchase at least three gifts for their Angel and at least one item of clothing. The donations are tax-deductible, and each tag has a detachable bottom that serves as a receipt.
“A lot of these children don’t have anyone who can provide things that they really need,” said Holmes, who personally adopts an Angel to shop for each Christmas. “For children, Christmas is such a special time they really look forward to. You feel like Santa Claus going to buy stuff for the kids.”
Holmes said one local child with a December birthday had party guests pick up Angel Tree tags and bring their Angel Tree donations to the party in lieu of birthday gifts.
“I thought that was such a fun idea,” Holmes said. “It’s always fun to see the hallway [in the back of the restaurant] lined with toys every year. People are so generous up here.”
She said The Salvation Army also provides a week’s worth of food to every family on the Angel Tree, which it purchases at a discount in bulk. To make a monetary donation, or to volunteer to distribute the food or to serve as bell-ringer during the holidays, visit csarmy.org.
517 Subs is at 1238 Taft Highway, Suite 184, and can be reached at 517-7827.
Email Emily Crisman at ecrisman@timesfreepress.com.