Contributed | Salvation Army of Shelby-Chilton Counties

The Salvation Army of Shelby-Chilton Counties needs the help of the community.

The Christmas Angel Tree program is in full swing, but there are still about 100 Angels in need of adoption.

The deadline for delivering gifts to the warehouse for distribution is Dec. 4.

The Salvation Army believes every child deserves to experience the joy of Christmas morning. And thanks to supporters of The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, thousands of American children will find this waiting under their Christmas trees this year.

The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program provides new clothing or toys for children of needy families through the support of donors.

Registration closed Oct. 17, and Salvation Army Capt. Julia McDowell said 235 families registered, representing 553 children.

Of those, 143 children are Chilton County residents.

This is the second year Chilton County children have been included in the program.

Found in local companies and corporations, Angel Trees are decorated with numbered paper angel tags with the first name, age and gender of a child in need of presents. Contributors remove one or more tags from the tree and purchase appropriate gifts for the child or children described on the tags.

Two Angel Trees are located at Clanton Walmart, with names of children available for sponsorship.

Those interested need to simply ask store personnel for assistance.

The average sponsor/donor normally spends $75 per child.

Each Angel’s tag includes the child’s first name, age, gender, clothing sizes, one need, and one wish.

For more information, call (205) 663-7105 or email Julia.McDowell@uss.salvationarmy.org.

Also, visit the Salvation Army’s website at salvationarmyusa.org, where children can be sponsored through the online Angel Tree program.

Managing Editor Stephen Dawkins contributed to this report.