Watertown Fire Rescue and Salvation Army Angel Tree Program Provide Support for Families in Transition

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - The annual collaboration between the Salvation Army of Watertown and local first responders is making a measurable impact on residents navigating complex life transitions. A recent account from a local mother highlights how the Angel Tree program, supported by members of Watertown Fire Rescue, provides essential support for families during seasons of hardship.

Karyssa Bacon, who recently moved to the area to establish a fresh start for her children, shared the challenges of balancing a new part-time job and returning to college. Like many in similar situations, Bacon described the emotional and financial strain of rebuilding a life from the ground up, noting that the period was marked by exhaustion and uncertainty.

The support arrived through the Salvation Army Angel Tree, a program where community members and organizations “adopt” children’s holiday wish lists to ensure they receive gifts and necessities. Members of Watertown Fire Rescue were among those who participated as “Angels” this year.

“What you did wasn’t ‘just gifts,’” Bacon stated, reflecting on the kindness of the strangers who participated. “It was a reminder that [the community] sees us, even in our hardest seasons, and that provision comes in ways we don’t expect.”

The impact of the program extends beyond the material items provided. For families like Bacon’s, the initiative serves as a vital community connection, easing the burden on parents who are working to improve their long-term circumstances through education and employment.

Watertown Fire Rescue and the Salvation Army of Watertown continue to work together to facilitate these connections. The success of the Angel Tree program relies on the volunteerism of local professionals and citizens who choose to support their neighbors during the winter months.

Bacon expressed deep gratitude for the firefighters’ willingness to participate, noting that the joy her children felt offered a sense of stability during a heavy season. As she continues her studies and work in Watertown, Bacon expressed a desire to give back to the community eventually.

The Salvation Army of Watertown continues to coordinate various programs throughout the year to assist residents with emergency needs, housing, and food security.