SAN ANTONIO - It was a busy day at the Salvation Army as people waited in long lines to register their children for the annual Angel Tree Program.

Volunteers worked around the clock to make sure families in need could get their names on the list.

Since 1979, Angel Tree has allowed thousands of local kids to have a gift under their tree on Christmas morning.

More than 7,000 children are expected to register this year alone.

Distribution day will happen later in December.

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"Parents come up to us and you see a lot of happy tears. They're just grateful this program exists because this is the only chance they would get unfortunately for some of them to provide any type of Christmas for their child," said the Salvation Army's Brad Mayhar.

If you want to register, be sure to bring your ID with a valid address.

Registration will go on the rest of this week through Friday and then October 16 to 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

Children ages 1 month to 12 years old are eligible.        

The Salvation Army is looking for volunteers and people interested in adopting an angle. Those interested can call 210-352-2000.