CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte is making Christmas brighter for thousands of kids through the Angel Tree Program. 

What You Need To Know

  • It's time for The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte's Angel Tree Program

  • Last year, the program served thousands of children across the Charlotte area

  • The Salvation Army is expecting adoption needs this Christmas season to be just as high as last year 

  • One volunteer dedicates the shopping season to helping make Angel Tree wishes come true 

People can adopt an angel and purchase a gift from the child's wish list, which can include requests from the child including socks and books. 

Last year, 1,138 volunteers put in 3,622 hours to help the Angel Tree Program in Charlotte. 

This resulted in more than 6,000 angel adoptions by local corporations, individuals and online. 

The Salvation Army is expecting to help over 6,000 children again this year. 

Volunteers like Anganette Byrd are proud to devote their time to children in need of gifts. 

Byrd has been volunteering for The Salvation Army for over 20 years. 

She devotes her Black Fridays to the Angel Tree program. 

Growing up, Byrd says there was a time she wanted to ask for more gifts on her Christmas wish list. This is one reason she enjoys making other children's holiday wishes on the tree come true. 

"It wouldn't be Black Friday without it," she said. "If you can [do something] without getting paid, that's your true passion. Volunteering for Salvation Army, to me, is a passion."

The role of volunteers like Byrd is critical for so many families. 

Although the holiday season is a cheerful time for many, it can be hard for some to buy presents for their kids. 

Byrd says that's why so many are depending on the Angel Tree Program. 

"These are children that are a little less fortunate than others. These children are from Mecklenburg and Union counties that fall below the 150% federal poverty level. These are children that have expressed some of the things they would like to have for Christmas. Hopefully, we give these children their hearts' desires and things they would like to have," Byrd said. 

Anyone who's adopted a Charlotte angel must return the gift by Dec. 7.