MEET MIA, A PARENT FROM SANDTOWN-WINCHESTER
The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program has been a tradition since 1979. For over 40 years, disadvantaged families in Central Maryland received Christmas assistance in the shape of a large, black, trash bag. Inside the bag, is a treasure trove of clothing, shoes, books, hygiene products and toys for children who are in need.
This year, The Salvation Army of Central Maryland provided Christmas assistance to over 1,000 families. This assistance was shared to various Title 1 schools in Baltimore City and in Baltimore county which includes 500 Angel Tree bags for Colgate Elementary School; 400 Angel tree bags for Sandtown-Winchester Academy; 500 Angel Tree bags for Victory Villa Elementary School; and 37 bags for Joseph C. Briscoe School. Many parents are grateful for Angel Tree since providing Christmas morning is not always so easy.
Mia, a young mom in her thirties, who has two kids who attend Sandtown-Winchester Academy, knows this hardship. Originally from East Baltimore, Mia makes West Baltimore her home by having her children attend Sandtown-Winchester Academy and by being a local in the area. She’s not only an angel tree recipient but she’s joined a network of parents at the school, volunteering to distribute toys to students in need. She also works full-time as a caretaker in East Baltimore. She was inspired into getting into this profession by taking care of her mom and taking care of her grandma, who has stage 4 cancer.
“I love taking care of people and it’s something I am passionate about,” said April.
Mia balances work with taking her children to school daily.
“I have a 13-year-old child and a 4-year-old child who attends Sandtown-Winchester Academy. I love this school and I believe it’s a good school. It’s my first year here,” said Mia.
To be able to provide love beyond Christmas morning to her 4-year-old, who loves to dress up, and to her 13-year-old daughter, who is into Youtube/gaming means a lot to Mia.
“I believe this Angel Tree Christmas Assistance from The Salvation Army is good. We needed the support and I think this is a good gesture.”
The West Baltimore community, according to Mia, needs more resources for children.
“In the community, children need safer places to go like a recreation center. Without places like a recreation center, children can go out and do bad things. I wish there is a recreation center in West Baltimore. This area is rough and has a climate of drugs, crimes, and out of control activities,” said Mia.
By donating to The Salvation Army’s Virtual Red Kettle this year. You can give Love Beyond Christmas morning to many families in West Baltimore.