GALLIPOLIS — In a time of economic distress, Christmas shopping has become unaffordable for many local residents, possibly leaving some children and seniors with few or no presents under the tree.

In years past, Angel Trees have been set up at K-Mart and Wal-Mart, organized by the Gallia County Department of Job and Family Services, to provide underprivileged children and seniors over 60, who have been abused, neglected, exploited or receive GCDJFS services, with gifts during the holiday season.

Due to budget cuts and subsequent staffing reductions at GCDJFS, the agency was unable to continue with the Angel Tree program this year, however, thanks to volunteers, representatives of GCDJFS, the Senior Center, and various other agencies, the program is being kept alive in 2009.

A call has gone out to local businesses, non-profit organizations, churches, schools and citizens to make the program successful again this year. Already, groups have pulled together that have never worked together before and area churches have vouched for tags before they were able to be placed on trees.

“Things are going absolutely wonderful,” said Susan Scott, chairperson of the Angel Tree program. “People have come together from different agencies to volunteer their time.”

She said individuals ranging from school nurses to a volunteer firefighter along with local businesses and churches have gotten involved.

“It’s such a good group of volunteers coming together. It shows that people in the community really care about their neighbors,” Scott added, though she said they are always in need of additional volunteers.

Two Angel Trees are currently set up at Wal-Mart near the front doors and an Angel Tree has also been put up inside the front doors at K-Mart. All contain tags bearing gift suggestions for hundreds of Gallia County children and seniors in need. In 2008, more than 300 children and approximately 40 senior citizens benefited through this program. Citizens are encouraged to pick a tag (or two or three) off an Angel Tree, purchase a gift, and drop it off at the service desk the next time they are visiting one of those locations. Gifts can also be dropped off at the Senior Center, located at 1167 Ohio 160.

Angel Tree recipients will also receive food boxes with their gifts this year thanks to a $3,000 donation provided by Farmer’s Bank to aid the cause.

Scott said the program has gotten a good response for the kids so far, but seniors often seem to be forgotten and as a group they generally hate to ask for anything. She’s encouraging citizens to keep them in mind when contributing to this program.

Scott indicated that she hopes to continue working with this group of volunteers throughout the year to aid area youth and seniors, and to expand the Angel Tree program next year.

Gifts can be purchased from either store through Dec. 17. Applications can still be submitted in order to have a name placed on one of the trees. Applications can be picked up at GCDJFS, 848 Third Ave., the Senior Center, and the Area Agency on Aging in Rio Grande and must be returned to GCDJFS by Thursday, Dec. 3 or either of the other two agencies by Friday, Dec. 4 to qualify.