Tuesday, December 16, 2014 1:15 pm

S.A.V.E.'s Angel Tree project is nearing its send with participants still collecting items.

It's tough to understand that there's children in Cannon County that need items as basic as shoes, said Angel Tree coordinator Lisa Baird, director of the S.A.V.E. Program.

"All three banks and the Dollar Store are helping kids from Cannon County," Baird said. "We're the only ones who do Angel Trees in Cannon County." Other similar programs, like the Salvation Army are not located here.

This is the third year, S.A.V.E. has coordinated the Angel Tree program. Previously, the program was administered by the Department of Human Services.

"We still have 80 angels to help," Baird said. This year, 293 youngsters were signed up for assistance. "It's a community effort. We are in a rural area and there is a need."

At last county, presents were still needed for 80 children.

The organizers try to get clothing, shoes and jackets for the youngsters, along with toys.

While some givers pick an Angel from one of the Christmas trees stationed around Woodbury, others might provide toys or shoes. Several churches and organizations help by giving money to the effort.

"The United Way gave us $1,000 from an anonymous donor. Iconium Church of Christ donated $1,000 and DTC gave $1,060. Holly (Pelham) got an anonymous donation of $1,000," Baird said.

"We need volunteers too. We've got lots of packages to wrap," she said. "We will be wrapping all week."
For more information, contact Lisa Baird at 464-5555.