By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
The Salvation Army is in desperate need of local residents to donate gifts for Ellis County children through its Angel Tree program.
The tree, which is at the Hays Walmart, still had 35 angels, representing 35 children, on it as of Thursday morning.
The Salvation Army is trying to get those angels and the corresponding gifts back by Sunday, so the gifts can be delivered in time for Christmas.
John Hubschman, Salvation Army kettle coordinator, said the organization had an increase in gift requests this holiday.
"I have noticed that a lot of these children have asked for in addition to toys, they've specifically asked for clothes and pajamas," he said. "There is definitely a need to help these kids because they are asking for essential items that they should already have taken care of."
All of the gifts are for children in Ellis County. The angels are for both girls and boys of various ages.
To participate in the program, pick an angel for the tree. The angel should have the gender, and age gift requests from the child. You can shop at Walmart or other stores.
Deliver the unwrapped gifts and the angel tag back to the customer service desk at Walmart by Sunday.
Hubschman said the Salvation Army has seen an increase in need across its services. More people are also seeking help from the Salvation Army's paper pantry and asking for assistance with utility payments.
"There's been a greater need, in general, this year," he said.
UPDATED, 2:15 p.m. Dec. 15 to clarify the organization sponsoring this Angel Tree.