Charlotte, NC – Integrated Design-Build firm A M King, which has been a steadfast supporter of the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program for 15 years, is continuing the tradition this holiday season. This remarkable milestone means so much to the company’s employees, who have thoughtfully selected Christmas gifts for thousands of underserved children in the Charlotte and Greenville, SC communities through the years.
In 2009, A M King began providing $150 for each employee to sponsor a child from the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program. In 2014, Brian King, A M King Founder and CEO, made the decision to adopt an additional 100 Angels every year. This year, the company gave each employee $200 to spend on each Angel, and each team shopped before Thanksgiving, coordinated gift package assembly for all Angels and loaded clothes and toys onto the Salvation Army truck for delivery.
The effort took a little muscle and a lot of heart and will make wishes come true for kids who might otherwise not receive anything for Christmas. This year the firm ensured that approximately 195 children will receive Christmas toys and winter clothing.
A M King is proud to be part of such a meaningful program year after year,” explains A M King Vice President Dan Crist. “Those of us here understand the fortunate position we’re in and are grateful that we can provide some joy for families experiencing hardship during this holiday season.”
The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte is serving more than 5,000 children this year. “Some parents are coming to us for the very first time because they don’t know where else to turn,” says Major Jason Burns, Area Commander for the Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte. “Thanks to the support of community volunteers and corporations like A M King, we can ensure that every child registered is taken care of.”
Serving the approximately 85,000 children who are part of the Angel Tree networks in North and South Carolina takes community teamwork. We all have a role to play. At A M King, commitment starts at the top with leaders who provide both the funding and the coordination necessary to achieve our goals. All hands are on deck, as each employee participates in the program in one way or another, practices teamwork outside of the office, and receives Christmas giving feel-good in spades.
“I’m so grateful to be able to participate in this extraordinary program with my fellow coworkers and my family,” explains Chad Elly, A M King senior designer. “I had a blast shopping for the Angels this year! My wife and I had so much fun filling our carts with all kinds of toys like Barbie sets, coloring books, unicorns, stuffed animals, toy trucks, cars and helicopters, and more. It feels great to make a positive impact within our community and I am excited about the next opportunity.”
“Many teams makes a point to make it a special day,” explains Marketing Manager Sarah Smith in her recently published blog. “Our Marketing + Sales team grabs lunch to fuel up before the shopping spree begins and then spends the entire day looking for coats to keep little boys or girls warm, clothes and shoes they can wear to school, and the perfect toys from Santa to put under their trees. It’s a great way to share the joy of the holiday season with my coworkers.”
Angel Tree program families will pick up gifts beginning Dec. 15 at the Christmas Center, 1831 N. Tryon St. “At the Salvation Army, we believe that every child should have the opportunity to experience the joy of a Christmas morning,” says Major Burns. “Every family should have an opportunity to create those special memories.”
To learn more about how to get involved with any of The Salvation Army’s programs in Charlotte, visit SalvationArmyCharlotte.org.
