The Happy Tree Campaign has been quite the success this holiday season, according to the Salvation Army.

Major Rene Loveless says the goal of the campaign has always been to put smiles on the faces of children and teens during the holidays. While the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way some aspects of the campaign are run, Loveless says the generosity of the community was still on full-display.

He says at the start of the campaign, he indicated they would need roughly 10,000 gifts to support those in need this holiday season. Loveless is happy to report, that particularly at the Happy Tree at the Avalon Mall, they received over 10,000 gifts.

Loveless says the Salvation Army is grateful to the people of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians for their compassion, kindness and support in helping the organization help others, while also passing along a holiday greeting.

Major Loveless and the Salvation Army hope for a safe, happy and healthy holiday and a Happy New Year to one and all.