By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post

The Salvation Army in Hays continues to ensure area children receive Christmas gifts through the Angel Tree program.

However, the program did not receive as many donations this year as in previous years.

Laura Allen, Salvation Army outreach coordinator, said the program helps parents bring joy to their children at Christmas, even during difficult times.

“The Angel Tree is basically a program for kids whose parents don’t have the ability to buy them Christmas gifts or lots of Christmas gifts,” Allen said.

This year, 114 children registered as angels. Although community participation got off to a slow start, a late push ensured the adoption of every angel.

However, 40 gifts from the angels were not returned. If the angels’ gifts are not returned, donations from St. Nicholas of Myre and St. Mary’s Churches will provide gifts for the remaining children.

Those who have adopted an angel are encouraged to return their gifts as soon as possible, no later than Tuesday. It’s not too late for anyone who wants to donate without adopting an angel.

“Even if someone doesn’t necessarily have an angel, they can bring gifts,” Allen said. “We give them to one of the children registered.”

Clothing, sports equipment, and video game-related items such as Roblox and Fortnite products are suggested gifts for teens.

Recommended gifts for teen girls include makeup, jewelry-making kits, and arts and crafts supplies.

“It’s not always easy to shop for older teens and girls,” Allen said.

Allen said the Hadley Center, 205 E. Seventh St., is a gift drop-off location and the Salvation Army will accept donations outside of normal building hours.

“We will be here all day (Friday). Even though we are 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 hours of operation:

10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday
11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to 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 message if you do not receive an immediate response.