MERIDIAN, Miss. (Queen City Newsfeed) – The holiday season officially began in downtown Meridian Thursday morning as the Salvation Army kicked off its annual Angel Tree program at Citizens National Bank’s downtown location.
The event, held at 10 a.m. Oct. 6, marked the start of this year’s campaign to provide Christmas gifts for families in need across Lauderdale, Clarke, and Neshoba counties.
Sgt. Daniel Noland, Corps Administrator for the Salvation Army of Meridian, said the organization has 400 children registered for the Angel Tree program this year. The application period for families has closed, but residents can now “adopt an angel” by selecting a tag from trees located at Citizens National Bank branches, Walmart, First Christian Church, and Rush Hospital.
“It’s our Angel Tree kickoff — our ceremony where we start off the year,” Noland said. “Now people can come into locations like Citizens National Bank and adopt either a family or an angel to provide them with a great Christmas.”
Each angel tag includes a list of items such as toys, clothing, or shoes requested by the family. Noland said the program is a vital way for the community to support families who might otherwise go without a Christmas.
“There are many families in this community that will go without a Christmas if we don’t come alongside them and provide what they need,” he said. “The mission of the Salvation Army is to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human need without discrimination. That’s why we do this every year.”
Citizens National Bank has partnered with the Salvation Army for 27 years, offering its branches as adoption sites and hosting the kickoff event. The bank also donated office space to the Salvation Army in previous years.
“This is one of our most meaningful partnerships,” said Neil Henry, Meridian Regional President of Citizens National Bank. “We’ve been a part of it for over 27 years, and it fits who we are — giving back and helping our community in need. It’s what we call ‘The Power of Local.’”
Henry encouraged residents to participate, describing it as a simple but rewarding experience. “Come into our bank, pull a card off the tree, go shopping as a family, and give back,” he said. “As long as you return the gifts unwrapped by Dec. 5, we’ll make sure they reach the Salvation Army and the families in time for Christmas.”
Henry added that the program also helps meet special needs in the community, including sensory toys and weighted blankets for children with sensory challenges.
“Christmas is the best holiday,” Henry said. “It’s about celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and helping families in need. It really brings the community together.”
Residents can adopt an angel now through early December at participating locations. All gifts must be returned unwrapped by Dec. 5, 2025.
