By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
The Salvation Army in Hays continues to ensure local children receive Christmas gifts through the Angel Tree Program.
However, the program did not receive as many gifts this year as in past years.
Salvation Army Service Extension Coordinator Laura Allen said the program helps parents bring joy to their children on Christmas, even in difficult times.
"The Angel Tree is basically a program for children whose parents don't have the ability to buy them Christmas gifts or many Christmas gifts," Allen said.
This year, 114 children registered as angels. While community participation started slowly, a late surge ensured every angel was adopted.
However, 40 angels' gifts have not been returned. If the angel gifts are not returned, donations from St. Nicholas of Myra and St. Mary's churches will provide gifts for the remaining children.
Those who have adopted an angel are encouraged to return their gifts promptly, no later than Tuesday. It is not too late for anyone wishing to donate gifts without adopting an angel.
"Even if somebody didn’t necessarily have an angel, they can bring gifts," Allen said. "We give them to one of the children that was registered."
Clothing, sports equipment and video game-related items such as Roblox and Fortnite merchandise are suggested gifts for teenage boys.
Recommended gifts for teenage girls include makeup, jewelry-making kits, and arts and crafts supplies.
"Older teenage boys and girls are not always easy to buy for," Allen said.
Allen said the Hadley Center, 205 E. Seventh St., is a drop-off location for gifts, and the Salvation Army will accept donations outside regular building hours.
"We will be here all day [Friday]. Even though we're distributing, we will still be here available to accept gifts to distribute," she said.
Donations can also be dropped off at Fuzzy's Taco Shop, 4310 Vine St., Hays, during their business hours:
10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday
11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday
11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday
For more information, contact Fuzzy's Taco Shop at 785-261-0822 or the Salvation Army in Hays at 785-621-2794. You can leave a voicemail if you don't receive an immediate answer.