NORTHWEST ARKANSAS (KFSM)-- The deadline for the Salvation Army Angel Tree program is fast approaching, and many children in Northwest Arkansas and the River Valley are still in need.
Cadet-in-training Charlsie Godwin said the program is a way for parents who can't afford Christmas, to still have their kids taken care of. She said in addition to the gifts, all of the families in the Angel Tree program also receive a holiday food box.
"Many children may not have ever experienced the joy of getting Christmas presents, they may not even have a winter coat to wear, clothes or shoes," Godwin said, "The Salvation Army, through our community, is able to provide those things for these children."
Prairie Grove residents Holly Griffin and Nine Jinks decided to adopt an angel for the first time this year. Jinks said she was looking for children who needed basic items.
"I have Anthony and Janet," Jinks said. "Janet is 1 and she's needing diapers, educational toys and clothes, and little Anthony is also 1 and he wants balls, plush toys diapers."
Godwin said many of the kids ask for toys or games, but some need necessities like diapers, mattresses and warm clothes. Griffin said the program is a perfect way to give back.
"Showing them the true meaning of Christmas and Jesus I think is very important," Griffin said.
Godwin said wherever a person picks up an Angel Tree tag, that's where the gift needs to be returned. The deadline for the Northwest Arkansas locations is Dec. 9, while the deadline in the River Valley is Dec. 16.
The Northwest Arkansas pickup locations are:
Northwest Arkansas Mall 4201 N. Shiloh Drive, Fayetteville
Walmart 3919 N. Mall Ave. , Fayetteville
Walmart 2875 W. Martin Luther King Blvd., Fayetteville
Walmart 2004 S. Pleasant, Springdale
Walmart 2110 W. Walnut, Rogers
Walmart 4208 Pleasant Crossing, Rogers
Walmart 406 Sam Walton, Bentonville
Walmart 2901 Hwy 412 East, Siloam Springs
Walmart 157 Gary Hatfield Way, Huntsville