Valley Hotel’s cherished holiday tradition: The Angel Tree program

PALMER — Janet Kincaid has a long and cherished tradition of supporting the community with the Salvation Army. She annually features one of the iconic Red Kettles in the lobby of the Valley Hotel and always participates in the equally iconic Angel Tree program.

The Valley Hotel is one of several participating sites across town that stage an Angel Tree with local children’s wish list items for Christmas. Visitors have the chance to go out and purchase items from the tree and bring them back to the collection bins.

According to Kincaid, Valley residents really stepped up this year and helped provide items from the Valley Hotel’s Angel Tree.

“It’s been very successful. We’ve had a lot of presents come in,” Kincaid said. “It’s just amazing what collectively happens. When just individually people do a little good, collectively it makes a difference in the world. I think that’s the story of our Valley.”

The Salvation Army assists families with new clothing, toys and meals each holiday season so they can put gifts under their trees and enjoy the warmth of the season together. Kincaid said that’s one of many reasons why she still volunteers with the organization.

“I’m a big believer in the Salvation Army... I really think they stretch the buck,” Kincaid said.

Kincaid said that she’s been involved with the Salvation Army for about 33 years. She rings the bell in front of Red Kettles and helps local families in need through the organization every holiday season.

“So, the Salvation Army does it in the name of the Lord, which I also appreciate. That’s a big part of me. My blessings come from God and I believe it’s there in the scripture, that when you’ve been given much, you’re supposed to give much,” Kincaid said.

Kincaid said that she purchased the Valley Hotel in 1976, and it’s one of the longest family run businesses in the Valley. Kincaid said they’ve featured an Angel Tree at the Valley Hotel almost as long as it’s been open. She said her daughter, Michelle Kincaid and her husband Dave Kloep took over and they maintain the hotel’s commitment to the community.

“We’ve been partners with the Salvation Army for a long, long time. We try to help people as much as possible,” Kincaid said.

Kincaid said that the holiday season is a special time of year, a time where giving comes natural to people. She said that she enjoys being a part of “doing the most good” for her community, likening to the Salvation Army’s motto.

“I think Christmas brings out the good will… It’s just a time where it’s joyful. Like this morning, that fresh snow, it’s just beautiful. It makes you think, “it’s all worth while,’” Kincaid said.

According to the Angel Tree website, the Salvation Army helps provide Christmas gifts to hundreds of thousands of children around the United States each year, stating that “every child deserves to experience the joy of Christmas morning.”

For more information, visit saangeltree.org.

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com