DeKalb Angel Tree registration takes place Thursday for the upcoming holiday season, where children in need can receive gifts.
President Laura Stone said the program is entering its 31st year, providing Christmas gifts for children for DeKalb, from birth to 12 years old. Stone said there is a strong community need for the program every year.
“Christmas is one of those things generally where everyone gets something from their families and Santa Claus visits most families.” Stone said. “We’ve just always tried to provide something for every child that’s on our wish list. Parents sign their children up and we always try to provide gifts for everyone that we have registered, and we’ve never missed a year.”
Stone said the need for the program varies from year to year. Stone said she suspects the need for the program will be large this year, due to economic turmoil.
Stone said last year 330 children benefited. Stone said over the years, the program has helped thousands of children.
Stone said the program allows the community to provide for less fortunate neighbors. Stone said the program requires applicants to be county residents. Stone said with these restrictions, locals donating know their money goes toward the people in the community.
“The people that are being provided for, it gives them the opportunity to be able to provide for their children,” Stone said. “They might not otherwise be able to.”
Stone said many residents benefited from the program when they were younger. Stone said these residents give to the program, providing gifts for children once they are able to.
Stone said registration is one day only, from 9am to 6pm.
