Pictured in front, from left, are Tammy Walbridge, Carol Blackford, Major Trish Welch, Marilyn Kinkaid, Sharodene Morris, Ann Pinnick, Merri Bottorff, Sharon Clay and Ann Gephart. In back are Sina Locke, Judy Cleveland, Marilyn Ritchison, Teri Jarrette, Sue Mock and Brenda Arnold.

WARSAW — On Monday, Dec. 18, members of the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary met to sort gifts collected through the local Angel Tree program. Angel Tree is a program that provides toys, books and winter accessories to children of families in need throughout Kosciusko County.

Currently in its 29th year, Angel Tree was started in 1988 by the Women’s Auxiliary of the Salvation Army to help provide toys for local children.

Warsaw Salvation Army Community Ministries Director Ken Locke said approximately 120 families will be helped by the Angel Tree program this year.

“We get a great outpouring of support from the community,” said Locke, “It’s amazing.”

Each child will receive a hat, a pair of gloves, a book and at least one toy. Families will also receive food vouchers.

The Women’s Auxiliary is a volunteer group that supports the Salvation Army through fundraising. There are currently between 50-60 members.

“These ladies from the auxiliary are what really make it happen,” said Locke. “I don’t know how we could function without them.”

Pictured are some of the toys collected through the Angel Tree Program.