Angel Tree drive at MUSC sets record

This year’s Angel Tree program at the Medical University of South Carolina set a record, collecting holiday gifts for about 1,800 children. Major Jennifer Richmond of the Salvation Army, which runs the national Angel Tree program, said that was about 400 more than last year for MUSC.

“They’ve done an incredible job. It gives you renewed hope,” Richmond said. “What people are willing to do for folks they don’t know is amazing.”

MUSC has been taking part in the program for about a decade. This year, organizer Liz Williams noticed something different when she looked at the bags filled with gifts brought in by MUSC employees for children in need. “Other years, you might have one or two toys per bag. This year, these are big bags. People are doing the kids’ whole wish list. They’re doing clothes. They’re doing toys. We’ve never seen this before.”

This year’s haul at MUSC also includes a big donation from a major league baseball star who used to play for the College of Charleston. Brett Gardner, an outfielder for the New York Yankees who has a contract with New Balance, announced the gift of 500 pairs of shoes and socks. “I feel like this is something we were able to do through New Balance that we’re fortunate be part of, and something these kids are going to be able to get a lot of use out of, I hope.”

Plenty of kids were on hand for the MUSC Angel Tree parade, including Calhoun Tannery. He helped lead the way, serving as a parade marshal to honor the memory of his twin brother. Lachlan died in May after a battle with a rare type of blood cancer. Calhoun’s mother said her family wants to support MUSC the way it supported the Tannerys during Lachlan’s treatment. 

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for us, because MUSC has been amazing for our family,” Mary Tannery said.