Thousands of children across Central Texas will experience the joy of opening presents on Christmas morning with the help of the Salvation Army Angel Tree Program. The program provides toys and clothing to children and families experiencing financial hardship. "Angels" are now available for adoption by community members and businesses, according to a recent press release. Angel trees are located at area malls and numerous businesses throughout Travis and Williamson Counties, the release said. An angel tree is a Christmas tree decorated with paper angels representative of a child in need of a Christmas gift. Angels will be available for adoption through the month of December at Lakeline Mall, Barton Creek Square Mall and the Hill Country Galleria as well as online at www.SalvationArmyAustin.org. Last year, 6,500 “angels” were available for adoption in Austin and this year that number continues to climb with 7,000 children enrolled in the program, the press release stated. The gift distribution will take place at the Christmas Cheer Center on South Congress Avenue beginning Dec. 19. The community is also invited to tune into Majic 95.5 radio on Dec. 5 for the Angel Tree Radiothon, a radio fundraiser that allows callers to donate money for the Angel Tree program, from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. Volunteers are also needed to answer phones. Salvation Army is seeking volunteers throughout the month of December to help manage Angel Tree locations and to work at the Angel Tree warehouse to process, organize and distribute the items received. “We are so grateful to the community and area businesses for their support, working alongside The Salvation Army to make sure that children experience the joy of opening a present on Christmas morning and knowing that someone cares for them,” said Major Amy Kelly, Associate Area Commander of The Salvation Army Austin. “Many families have made participation in the Angel Tree a part of their own family traditions – buying gifts for their adopted Angel as a way to teach the act of charity and giving to their own children. Thank you for your support of The Salvation Army Angel Tree program.” For more information about adopting an “angel,” making an online donation to support a child in need or to volunteer visit www.salvationarmyaustin.org or email [email protected].