THALIAN ASSOCIATION COMMUNITY THEATRE BRINGS AN ‘ANGEL TREE’ AND ‘TOYS FOR TOTS’ TO THE COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER
The Salvation Army and US Marine Corps Reserve programs arrive on November 9
WILMINGTON, NC – Thalian Association Community Theatre will host a Salvation Army Angel Tree in the lobby of the Hannah Block Historic USO/ Community Arts Center, 120 S. Second Street from November 9 to December 13, 2015.Good Samaritans can stop by the center, select a tag, and make the holiday season brighter for our neighbors in need. The tags list clothing and other necessities, and a hopeful wish or two, for a child who otherwise may have nothing to open on Christmas morning.During the same time, a Marine Corps Toys for Tots box will be available for donations of new and unwrapped toys.
“Both are wonderful ways to share some good will this season. This is the first Angel Tree in the HBHUSO/Community Arts Center and we plan to make it an annual tradition,” said Susan Habas, Thalian Association Community Theatre Executive Director. “Every child should know the joy of the holidays and we are delighted to have the opportunity to help The Salvation Army and the US Marine Corps Reserve in their worthy efforts.”
Since 1887, The Salvation Army has offered character-building programs in local Boys and Girls Clubs and helped provide shelter and safe, affordable housing for seniors and families in need. The Salvation Army Angel Tree program began in 1979 when Lt. Colonels Charles and Shirley White worked with a shopping mall in Lynchburg Virginia to provide clothing and toys for children at Christmas. Since then, Angel Tree has provided new clothing or toys for the children of thousands of needy families, thanks to the support of donors in their own community.
The US Marine Corps Reserve annual Toys for Tots Program has been a tradition since 1947. The Marine Corps Reserve annually delivers millions of toys to children in need.
The Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center is owned by the City of Wilmington and managed by Thalian Association Community Theatre. The building is a historic and cultural treasure that has been the center of recreation and art for generations of local children. Today the building continues to be the home for children, art and recreation while serving as a mini museum of the Wilmington and New Hanover County WWII home front.
Established in 1788, Thalian Association Community Theatre is a non-profit, membership organization dedicated to enhancing the Cape Fear region through live community theatre and arts education. Thalian Association Community Theatre produces five major productions annually on the Main Stage at historic Thalian Hall, a summer season at the Red Barn Studio and professionally manages the Hannah Block Historic USO/Community Arts Center for the City of Wilmington. The youth theatre program offers training and performance opportunities for children age seven through high school seniors. In 2007, Thalian Association Community Theatre was designated North Carolina’s Official Community Theater by the state legislature. For more information, go to www.thalian.org.
