The Selma Times-Journal

The Salvation Army is asking for help.

Donald New, Salvation Army chair, said this year’s Angel Tree program is suffering from a large shortage.

The Angel Tree program provides new clothing and toys for needy children. An Angel Tree has been set up in Selma Mall for those who would like to adopt a child for the holidays.

The tree is decorated with numbered paper angel tags with the first name, age and gender of a child who will receive the gift. Contributors are responsible for purchasing suitable gifts for their assigned child.

Early Wednesday, New said 95 angels were waiting to be adopted. The number was cut to 45 that afternoon when First Presbyterian Church adopted 50 angels.

New said $40 to $50 is spent on each angel, meaning the Salvation Army may have to put up $2,250 to fund the remaining angels.

New said the angels are a mix of local children and hurricane evacuees. In order to ease the shortage, New hopes to partner with more corporations in the future.

Representatives from the Salvation Army will be at the Old National Guard Armory off Dallas Avenue starting at 9 a.m. today to receive donations for the Angel Tree project as well as financial contributions. Angel Tree donations will be packaged and shipped Thursday morning.

The Salvation Army has also struggled in kettle donations this year.

New said the kettles fulfill the organization’s Christmas goals and helps fund social service programs throughout the year.