Aria’s Angels

By:  Cyrondys Jackson

(Vestavia, AL)- In early October, nine-year-old Aria Triola made a simple request from her mother, Jennifer- she wanted to adopt as many Angels as she could this Christmas from The Salvation Army Angel Tree. “She asked if she could buy Christmas presents for other children, and in the past, we’ve always adopted Angels, and gone shopping for that child,” said Jennifer Triola, Aria’s mother. Knowing her daughter’s persistence, Jennifer challenged the fourth grader to brainstorm ways she could raise money to adopt her Angels, helping other children and families along the way. 

“We went on Pinterest, and she found two ideas, fall door wreaths and sock gnomes. She looked at the supplies she needed, and got started,” Triola said. What Aria created was more than cute crafts- she created memories that she and her family will share for years to come. 

In no time, Aria’s wreaths raised $500 towards her Angel Tree gifts. She then began making gnomes, decked out in cozy beanies, with cozy or vibrant colors, and themes. The gnomes were an instant success! “She’s getting requests to do team colors, Auburn, Alabama, LSU,” Triola said. 

In no time, Aria raised more than $1,200 towards her Angel Tree purchases. 

Aria’s mother said the entire family is excited about this year’s Angel Tree because they have worked together as a family, sharing Christmas with another family. 

The Salvation Army Angel Tree program provides new clothing and toys to more than one-million children and families in need each year. Donors can shop for the Christmas wish list items requested by a family in need. This year, people continue to navigate through financial hardships caused by COVID-19, and pandemic poverty is far from over. 

Birmingham Area Commander, Major Robert Lyle said, ” We are grateful to the people, families, businesses, that help us continue to provide a hand-up this Christmas season, and we 

Aria Triola is the oldest of three siblings, is an awesome softball player, and obviously loves crafts. The Triola family lives in Vestavia Hills and has supported The Salvation Army Angel Tree for several years. 

In 2007, WBRC Fox 6 News and The Salvation Army of Greater Birmingham partnered to provide Christmas gifts to children, from birth to 12 years old, who may otherwise not receive presents. Since then, tens of thousands of children and families have experienced the joy of the holidays thanks to the generosity of donors who adopt Angels in-person, online, or shop the Walmart Registry for Good. 

To find out how you can support The Salvation Army Angel Tree, click here.