The Pike County Salvation Army has angels for adoption this Christmas season.

About 150 angels are on the Salvation Army’s Christmas tree and about half of those have been adopted, said Kim May, Salvation Army Service Center director.

“The response is always good early on because we have agencies and organizations that adopt several of our angels,” she said. “We are blessed to have so many people who open their hearts to children at Christmastime.”

The applications for the Salvation Army Angel Tree are screened very carefully.

“Those who adopt a Salvation Army angel can be certain of the needs of that child and that family,” May said.

The adoption process is simple.

“The first name of the angel, their age and their wish list is on the Angel Tree,” May said. “Those who adopt select a boy or girl and then select gifts from their wish list. It’s easy and it’s simple but it means so much to these children.”

The gifts are delivered to the Salvation Army Service Center by Dec. 14 and are available for pickup by the parents or guardians for their children on Christmas morning.

Those who adopt an angel are welcome to assist with the Christmas gift pickups on the Dec. 14 but it is not a part of the adoption process.

May said Christmas is an active time at the Service Center as many people are looking for Christmas decorations and items to put under the Christmas tree.

“We have a good selection of Christmas decorations and odds and ends and, of course we can always use more,” May said.

“We have a big selection of clothing for winter but we are short on baby items and furniture. Those who have large pieces of furniture can make arrangements to have them picked up by calling 334-808-1069.”

The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle campaign is underway and everyone is asked to give generously.

“We can’t say it enough — that money donated to the Pike County Salvation Army stays right here at home to help friends and neighbors,” May said. “We don’t have to look far to see the needs. They are here in Pike County. That’s where your money will stay.”