The Salvation Army is helping to give more than 800 people in Vicksburg a better Christmas, and they’re close to reaching their goal.

The Salvation Army works to ensure every child opens up Christmas presents each year through their Angel Tree program.

Children from across Warren County have already submitted their wishes, which have been hung on trees around the city, waiting on a generous passerby to pick them up and fulfill a need.

“It’s making a difference in children’s lives, especially for parents who can not afford to buy the gifts,” Salvation Army Capt. Srikant Bhatnagar said. “Every child deserves to have some gift at Christmas.”

This year, 550 children and 190 seniors applied for the Angel Tree program. As of press time, about 30 children and 10 seniors are still waiting to be picked up, Bhatnagar said.

“People have to adopt because we are still a long way off,” he said. “People are still coming in at the last minute due to loss of jobs and fires or whatever it may be.”

The Angel Tree program has touched many people in different ways. Bhatnagar said there is a retired general in Vicksburg whose first bike came from the Angel Tree program, and he is now working to give back to the same organization that helped him.

Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary and Angel Tree coordinator Kamace Priest said many children would go without presents at all if it weren’t for the program. The impact of the program is evident in the children’s lives and throughout the community.

Trudy James, Salvation Army Auxiliary first vice president, said the requests for the children have been changing to include school uniforms, coats, bed linens and other items.

“We try to provide the basic needs, and include a toy so the children will have something to enjoy,” she said. “We ask people who are giving gifts for someone not to wrap them so we can match the gift to the individual’s request.”

Angel Trees are available at different locations around town such as the Outlets at Vicksburg and the Vicksburg Mall. The gifts are due Saturday and can be dropped off at the Vicksburg Mall or the Salvation Army.

In addition to their main Angel Tree project, the Salvation Army will be holding a toy drive at Walmart for the next two Saturdays to collect toys needed to supplement the program.

The Salvation Army needs volunteers to watch the trees in locations around town and also to be bell ringers during the holidays.

For more information, call The Salvation Army at 601-636-2706.