Vicksburg woman helps get 70 Angels adopted in a week

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — A Vicksburg woman has displayed remarkable Christmas spirit by helping get 70 angels adopted from a local Angel Tree in less than a week. Haley Cummins visited Walmart last week and learned that only four angels had been adopted from the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree at the Vicksburg Mall.

Wanting to help, Cummins made a Facebook post encouraging others to support the effort and ensure children receive gifts this Christmas. Within hours, the post had hundreds of shares and her inbox filled with messages from people eager to donate.

“I was blown away with how much support people were willing to give,” Cummins said. “It was a mixture of individuals and businesses, and some people from outside of Vicksburg donated as well.”

Cummins originally hoped to help get 30 angels adopted. Instead, by week’s end, she had doubled that number, helping match 70 angels with donors — a gesture she said will bring joy to many children who may otherwise go without.

Although she hadn’t planned to take on such a large role, Cummins said she now feels committed to seeing it through, knowing the impact it will have on Christmas morning.

The cost to adopt an angel ranges from $175 to $200. Cummins focuses on providing each child with essentials and gifts such as three to four winter outfits, five to six toys, a toothbrush, toothpaste and other needed items. She is still collecting donations.

Cummins said she was drawn to the effort because her own children have never had to worry about Christmas gifts, and she believes every child deserves something special during the holidays.

Although the gifts matter, Cummins said the true purpose runs deeper. “The magic of Christmas isn’t the gifts,” she said. “It’s about being seen and reflecting the love of Christ, and no one should be forgotten on the day we celebrate Jesus.”

Cummins is continuing to accept donations. Those who cannot afford to adopt an entire angel may contribute a partial donation. Anyone interested can contact her through Facebook.