By Staff
Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
The Salvation Army's Angel Tree gifts will brighten the Christmas holiday for more than 800 children of needy families living in Morgan, Lawrence and Limestone counties, according to Kimberly Little, project coordinator.
"We've gotten good response so far," Little said. "But Angel cards identifying children in need and their Christmas wish lists are still available. Anyone willing to take a card and play Santa for the child listed is encouraged to do so."
Wrapped gifts will be picked up at tree locations through Saturday, Dec. 10. After that, they should be dropped off at the Salvation Army office at 114 14th St. SW, Decatur.
Angel trees are located at Wal-Mart stores in Hartselle, Decatur and Moulton and O'Charley's, Cracker Barrel and Shoe Carnival in Decatur. Boeing, Parkway Medical Center, Daiken, Church of the Good Shepherd and Sportsfit have trees for use by their members and employees and their families.
In addition, unnamed Angel cards listing toy needs for a boy or girl may be taken from Christmas trees at Hardee's locations in Hartselle, Priceville and Decatur. These donations will go to needy children whose names came in too late to be included on the regular Angel trees.
The Salvation Army has also received requests for food boxes from 416 needy families. Canned and non-perishable foods needed to fill the boxes are currently being received from food drives sponsored by schools in the area. The food boxes, which will contain about 35 to 40 items, will be distributed at the Salvation Army office on Dec. 22. Each family also will receive a ham or turkey.
The Salvation Army's most visible fundraiser-the Red Kettle Campaign-is also under way.