FROM STAFF REPORTS

The Salvation Army of Shelby and Chilton counties is asking kind-hearted residents to step forward and help local children who otherwise wouldn’t have a merry Christmas.

As of Nov. 13, the Salvation Army still had 278 children in the two counties who were in need of sponsors through the organization’s Christmas Angel Tree program. Through the program, the Salvation Army matches sponsors with children, and provides sponsors with a Christmas gift wishlist from each child.

The deadline for delivering gifts to the Salvation Army warehouse for distribution to children is Dec. 4, and is fast-approaching.

On average, a sponsor spends about $75 per child, according to the Salvation Army. Each Christmas Angel tag includes the child’s first name, age, gender, one need and one wish.

To sponsor a child through the program, call the Salvation Army at 663-7105 or email AlabasterAngelTree@gmail.com.