RALEIGH, N.C. — The Salvation Army of Wake County’s "Angel Tree" toy and clothing distribution is putting presents under the tree for nearly 7,500 children.

It’s all thanks to the community.

“There is such a great care in our community to rise up and meet these needs,” Major Chuck Whiten of the Salvation Army of Wake County said.

Whiten says over the last two years, they’ve seen a significant increase in the number of children registered for the program as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This year has been just as big as last year, which has been a staggering need,” Whiten said.

The program started 42 years ago by a couple in Virginia, and it’s since expanded to a nationwide movement.

Beginning in October, people, businesses and organizations can adopt an "angel" or child for the holidays and buy them clothing and toys on their wish list.

The unwrapped gifts are then dropped off at the army’s distribution center, where parents come to pick them up the week before Christmas.

Allison Chapman is a volunteer. Chapman drove from Charlotte to Wake County to help with the distribution process Tuesday.

“I travel up here every year and do it,” Chapman said.

Chapman and her coworkers volunteer for different charities across North Carolina each holiday season. This is their second year helping at the Salvation Army of Wake County.

“The smile on their little faces, I can only imagine, like all the other little kids, it’s just a good feeling to know. You always worry about kids and them not getting anything, I mean 7,500 kids that’s a lot, that’s a lot of kids,” Chapman said.

Popular toys this year included rollerblades, bicycles and action figures.

Chapman says the parents are thankful to be able to put a present under the tree for their children.

 “People are so nice outside, it’s fulfilling, to know that you’re helping a lot of people,” Chapman said.

The Salvation Army is still looking for volunteers to help with bell ringing throughout Christmas Eve.