The endeavor collects piles of gifts for children in need
Gifts, collected through the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, are gathered during a festive parade through the hospital’s campus before being sorted and distributed to families.
Last December, a happy six-year-old led a festive procession of musical marchers, costumed characters, and, of course, jolly old St. Nick through the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) campus. As the parade float approached its final destination, the child beamed, taking in the scene along the Charleston Medical District Greenway. Behind that merry marshal, the Charleston Pipe and Drum Corps kept rhythm as the Riverdogs’ mascot danced alongside the Stingrays’ Cool Ray and a cast of Disney favorites. The Shriners crewed a pirate ship float, while the MUSC grounds maintenance team drove utility vehicles and tractors. And each participant came laden with gifts. “The event is really a sight to see,” raves Melissa Kubu, head elf of the MUSC Angel Tree Parade and volunteer program coordinator of Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital and Pearl Tourville Women’s Pavilion. “Our grand marshal, usually a pediatric patient, is up there just glowing, while community members, patients, and MUSC care teams cheer from the sidelines.”
The Angel Tree Parade route winds past MUSC hospitals, the Ronald McDonald House, and the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge on its way to the greenway, garnering smiles all around. “The parade brings the holiday spirit to people who otherwise may be facing a very tough day.”
Since 2003, MUSC and the Salvation Army have partnered to sponsor thousands of children during the holidays. “These families have multiple stories—some are low-income or have lost a job, others have children with special needs—but they all need assistance,” reflects Kubu, who is also the Salvation Army of Charleston board vice president. Each year, the local chapter outfits “angel trees” with the wishes of up to 2,300 qualifying children ages newborn to 18 then teams up with tricounty organizations to answer those requests. “MUSC is always the primary community partner, typically adopting a large portion of the Salvation Army’s angels.”
The effort kicks off with a tree lighting in front of the children’s hospital in early November, when the Salvation Army hands over the season’s first angel tag. Trees at every area MUSC hospital are then ornamented with angel-shaped tags outlining each recipient’s needs, desires, age, and sizes. To fulfill all of those wishes, MUSC care team members, employees, students, and community members buy new toys, books, and clothing. And in the week leading up to the parade, donations begin rolling in, filling MUSC hospital lobbies with bags and bags of surprises. “Those giving these toys aren’t seeing who they’re going to, nor does it matter. It’s about knowing this is for the greater good,” reflects Kubu. “We’re providing hope for the people who need it most during the holidays.”
Each year, MUSC employees fulfill holiday wishes made by qualifying children through the Salvation Army’s angel trees; Bags of toys, books, and clothing, as well as bikes, collected through the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program are ready to be loaded onto trucks.
By the time the parade completes its march through campus, the grounds in front of MUSC Health Medical District have been transformed into a sea of new toys and bikes ready to be loaded onto a fleet of Salvation Army trucks. From there, the unwrapped presents get transported to the North Charleston Convention Center, where volunteers from MUSC, the Salvation Army, and other community groups check the gifts before distributing them. Parent and caregiver recipients can then wrap the items and place them under their holiday trees. “This is an opportunity for families to provide holiday gifts for their children, and people are incredibly grateful,” says Kubu, recalling one tearful mother overwhelmed with thanks because she could give her kids presents for the first time in many years. “You never know what somebody else is going through, and this brings purpose back to so many. Personally, I feel grateful to be a part of something bigger, to see the community come together for a beautiful mission.”
Watch the Angel Tree Parade:
Tuesday, December 10, noon, MUSC campus. For more information on how to help, visit southernusa.salvationarmy.org.
