Five-year-old Haley Trussell, from left, 7-year-old Claire Trussell and 6-year-old Catherine Smith play around an angel tree at Pemberton Square mall. There with Lynda Trussell and Jacque Henley, the girls were helping hang names of “angels” to be adopted for Christmas. (Jon GiffinThe Vicksburg Post)

[11/22/04]With a little more than a thousand angels in need of adoption this holiday season, the Salvation Army and Women’s Auxiliary of Vicksburg are hoping to make it a merry Christmas for everyone.

Linda Renfroe, president of the auxiliary, has been involved in the Angel Tree program for 17 years and said this year the number of needy families is higher. About 900 children and 224 seniors are signed up for the program that asks people to adopt, anonymously, a person in need and help fulfill his or her Christmas wishes by shopping for items their adoptees might like.

Last year, toys and other gifts were provided for 727 children and gifts went to 125 seniors. Despite concerns that most people will have tighter budgets this year, Renfroe said she feels good about the number of angels already adopted, 100 since Nov. 12.

“All of this is people doing what they can,” Renfroe said.

Capt. Michelle Robbins of the Salvation Army said that most years, 10 to 12 percent of the angels never get adopted, but that funds from the familiar kettle program are used to make up the difference.

“We make sure that none of the kids go without something under the tree at Christmas,” Robbins said.

The angel cards have information about the people, including age, clothing sizes and a wish list.

Gifts should not be wrapped and must be returned to the tree location by Dec. 11. Presents will be distributed to the families on Dec. 16.

Angels can be adopted from the tree at Pemberton Square mall or from trees at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ three locations. The Vicksburg District will hold a public ceremony at 10 a.m. Nov. 29 at the District Headquarters building on Clay Street to kick off their program with the Angel Trees.

Each year, District employees adopt 150 angels through the program.

Capt. John Robbins of the Salvation Army said bell ringers for the annual kettle collection will begin asking for spare change and monetary donations today at local grocery stores and at area shopping centers Friday. The employees of the City of Vicksburg are also participating in a toy drive that will be a part of the Angel Tree program.

River 101 is also participating in an “angels on the air” program to encourage people to adopt.

“But, we’re still in desperate need for volunteers,” for the Kettle program, John Robbins said.

For more information about volunteering or about the Angel Tree program call the Salvation Army at 636-2706.