GALLIPOLIS — With only days to go before the close of this year’s Angel Tree program, area volunteers are challenging the citizens of Gallia County to fulfill all gift requests on tags featured on Christmas trees at K-Mart and Wal-Mart.

This year has proven to be one of the most demanding for the Angel Tree program, with more than 800 children and nearly 90 seniors in need of aid this Christmas season. Last year, citizens were able to fulfill requests for more than 300 children and approximately 40 seniors.

As of Friday, 87 youth tags remained on the trees, although all senior gift tags have been fulfilled. In addition, a number of children tags have been removed that have not resulted in gifts being turned in to the respective service counters.

“Without your help these individuals will go without this Christmas,” said a volunteer who did not wish to be identified. “Many of the parents have added statements on the requests for their children such as, ‘my children are not picky and would cherish any gift they receive’ and ‘this is the first time I have ever had to ask for help and appreciate anything you can do.’ Another stated as a special request that they would appreciate help with diapers and baby formula, while several others stated food as their special request.”

Senior requests generally include items that most people take for granted such as toothpaste, deodorant and blankets.

The effects of the economic downturn can certainly be seen throughout Gallia County. Unemployment is high and citizens have not only been lined up at local food pantries in recent months, but also in front of the Community Action Agency awaiting HEAP assistance.

Individuals can be seen outside of the Third Avenue office in the early morning hours, waiting in line in hopes of becoming one of the few walk-in clients that CAA will be able to accept for HEAP assistance that day.

“This is a vivid example of what is quickly spreading in Gallia County and those on the Angel Tree are also waiting and hoping for help,” the Angel Tree volunteer said. “Think about this, when the majority of us wait in line like that, we are typically trying to fulfill a want, such as shopping on Black Friday. These individuals line-up hours before the CAA opens just hoping to get help to prevent their utilities from being shut off.

“The applicants on the Angel Tree are just hoping for help with gifts for their children or hoping for help with some of the very basic necessities,” he added. “Until you have walked in their shoes, you do not know how hard it is to swallow your pride and ask for help.”

Presents must be dropped off no later than noon on Tuesday so that they can be organized for distribution, although tags reflect Friday, Dec. 18 as the last day. Those who have taken tags off of a tree, but have not yet turned in gifts are reminded to do so before the deadline.

If there is ever a time when Gallia County citizens have to take care of their own, this is it.