GALLIPOLIS — In a time of economic distress, Christmas shopping may seem like a luxury of years passed, but for many area children it will be yet another year with few or no presents under the tree.

In an effort to provide underprivileged families with something to smile about this holiday season, the Gallia County Department of Job and Family Services is working to spread cheer through its annual Angel Tree program, which provides gifts for families in need.

Two trees have been put up in Wal-Mart decorated with ornaments and tags bearing gift suggestions for more than 300 children in Gallia County.

Through Dec. 19, members of the community can pick a tag (or two or three) off of a tree, purchase a gift or gifts for an underprivileged child, and drop the gift off at the service desk. The gifts will then be collected by GCDJFS staff and distributed to needy children in time for Christmas.

The tags include a child’s age and sex along with shoe, shirt, pants and coat sizes and a “favorite toy” suggestion.

More than 180 families were aided last year, a trend that GCDJFS hopes will continue as even more families are in need this year.

“The citizens here in Gallia County have really taken hold of this program to provide for needy kids,” said Lori Church of GCDJFS. “We hope people will open their hearts again this Christmas and purchase gifts for families in need.”

A Senior Angel Tree program has also been set up at K-Mart for Gallia County residents over the age of 60 who have been abused, neglected, or exploited and receive services from GCDJFS. The program was started last year and thanks to aid from several local churches, GCDJFS was able to provide 40 residents with gifts through purchases and monetary donations.

The Senior Angel Tree will be up through Dec. 17.