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Every year, the Salvation Army Angel Tree program helps provide gifts for hundreds of thousands of children across the country, insuring they wake up Christmas morning with presents to unwrap. With COVID19 and record unemployment, more and more people are in search of a helping hand this holiday season. Because of this unprecedented need, Dennis Haggerty and Car Dealer Benefits are supporting this program for the first time and are looking to make this an ongoing holiday tradition.
When asked what motivated him to become an angel adopter, Mr. Haggerty stated:
“Christmas morning is a special time, and as parents we love to see our children’s reaction as they open presents. When a friend told me about this program, I just had to be a part of it. I know people are hurting because of the pandemic and unemployment, but that’s where the rest of us can step in and give a helping hand.”
Per the Salvation Army’s website, they are expecting to serve 155% more people with Christmas assistance, while also anticipating a 50% decline in red kettle donations. This increase in need and decline in donations will strain the organization and all the areas where they provide assistance.
“Economic pressures from the COVID-19 pandemic will force millions of parents to choose between paying rent/utilities and buying Christmas presents. In fact, we expect an additional 1.6 million more people will seek our help to make Christmas brighter this year. In a typical year, we put new clothes and toys under the tree for 1 million children who usually must go without Christmas gifts. Anonymous donors adopt these little “angels” in an expanding Christmas tradition that makes the season more rewarding for the gift giver and happier for the receiver.” Source: www.salvationarmyusa.org
Dennis Haggerty, CEO of Car Dealer Benefits, is used to giving back, but this was his first year as an angel adopter and he is already planning on expanding the program going forward. “I have already talked to the employees, and they all want to be a part of this next year. What can be better than bringing joy to a child at Christmas? I am hoping we can adopt 100 angels next year and will definitely be encouraging some of our business partners to do the same.”
To learn more about the Angel Tree program, and other assistance opportunities, please visit: www.salvationarmyusa.org
Dennis Haggerty is CEO of Car Dealer Benefits, headquartered in Illinois. Car Dealer Benefits was created to provide the auto industry and dealerships the ability to offer affordable ID Theft and Roadside Assistance products to consumers. For more info about Car Dealer Benefits, check out their website at: www.cardealerbenefits.com
Release ID: 88991905