HUNTSVILLE, MADISON COUNTY – Time is winding down for the 2017 Angel Tree Program. However, angels are still open for ‘adoption’ to make sure that these children experience a bright and hopeful Christmas.

Sponsored by The Salvation Army, the Angel Tree program involves the community in sharing with individuals in Madison County who are less fortunate. The program acts as a link for donors to provide gifts of new clothing and toys to thousands of children, people who are disabled, residents who have special needs and senior citizens who otherwise might not have anything for Christmas.

Children who are recipients of Angel Tree gifts are from families who must qualify and have applied for Christmas assistance through the Social Services program of The Salvation Army. During the application process, the clothing sizes and special requirements of the children are determined, written on an application and then transferred to paper, cutout ‘angels,’ along with the child’s first name, age and gender.

“We still have angels in need!” Salvation Army spokesperson Pamela Donald said.

To adopt an angel, residents can visit the booth for Madison County’s Salvation Army Angel Tree in Huntsville at Parkway Place Mall, lower level at Dillard’s entrance or online at salvationarmyhuntsville.org.

The Angel Tree booth will close on Dec. 10 at 4 p.m. “Please return all items to the Angel Tree booth or bring to The Salvation Army office at 2114 Oakwood Ave. by Dec. 8 at 4 p.m.,” Donald said.

Until its closing, the booth will be open on Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Thousands of people of all ages and background have benefited from Angel Tree assistance that the Salvation Army has provided in Huntsville and Madison County. For 2017, the program has served 1,705 families. Donors have provided gifts to 2,213 children.

In addition, 138 senior citizens have received Christmas gifts because of Angel Tree. Across Madison County, 358 residents in nursing homes and 57 adults with disabilities have been beneficiaries of the program.

The Salvation Army of Huntsville/Madison County is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865. The Salvation Army has operated for more than 60 years in the Huntsville/Madison County community.

During 2016, Salvation Army of Huntsville Madison County provided 25,150 nights of lodging to homeless men and women, 125,979 meals to families and individuals in need, assisted with more than 4,705 individuals with emergency financial support for utility bills, food and clothing to help prevent homelessness.

For more information, visit salvationarmyalm.org/huntsville.