Won't You be a Wyandotte Angel for a Needy Child?

For the second consecutive year, Wyandotte Patch is partnering with the Salvation Army to put Christmas presents under the trees of some needy children.

The Salvation Army is on tap to help 4,000 area children this year alone.

While the Downriver Salvation Army Corps has a number of Christmas-related programs, its signature event is its Toy Shop, where parents can come and pick out toys for their children, ages newborn to 14.

The gifts are donated through the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program, which partners with area businesses, churches and civic organizations to collect the toys.

That’s where you come in.

Wyandotte Patch is hosting a virtual angel tree and is inviting our readers to select a child they’d like to sponsor.

The Salvation Army has assigned us with 50 paper cutouts, each designating a deserving child. Many toys have already been donated for younger children, so the Salvation Army has earmarked children ages 9 to 14 for our collection drive.

To “pick” an angel off our tree, post a comment below. Let us know if you prefer a boy or girl and what age (9-14). Or, we’ll be happy to select a child for you.

It’s then time for you to head to the store and purchase a gift or two for your child. The presents should be new, age-appropriate and unwrapped.

When you’re done shopping, you can either drop off your gift at Tongue’s Protein Bar and Chill Lounge or call us at 734-276-9722 to arrange a pickup. We have partnered with Tongue’s and they are serving as our official drop-off location. They also have paper angels inside their business that can be picked up and shopped for.

All gifts must be turned in by 5 p.m. Dec. 12.

In addition to toys, the Salvation Army also provides the families it helps with a food box and a Kroger gift card. Donations of canned goods and other non-perishable food items also are needed and can be dropped off at Tongue's, as well.

If you represent a business, organization or an extra generous family and you wish to adopt multiple children, please email Wyandotte Patch Editor Jason Alley at jason.alley@patch.com.