WARSAW — The Salvation Army is completing its 30th annual Angel Tree outreach to provide food and gifts to families for Christmas.

“The mission of The Salvation Army began in 1921 when operations were opened in Warsaw City Hall,” said Ken Locke, community ministries director.

Families have been helped during the holidays since then but in 1988 it was changed to Angel Tree, which is a national program of the organization.

“We gave gifts to children of inmates as well until the jail ministry took over the program in the mid 90s,” said Locke. “We continued to help families in need through Angel Tree.”

At the end of distribution on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 125 families were helped with 262 children getting a gift, hat, gloves and a book. 93 teens received gift cards provided by the fundraising of the Women’s Auxiliary of The Salvation Army. Each family was given a food gift certificate.

“We will continue to help families through noon on Christmas Eve,” said Locke.

The following businesses and groups sponsored Angel Tree this year: Depuy Synthes, Medtronic, Warsaw Kiwanis Club, First United Methodist Church, Alderfer and Bergen, Leaders Staffing, Lutheran Heart Health, Circle M. Spring, Warsaw Rotray Club, Kosciusko County Toys For Tots and Dental Solutions. For more information go to www.sawarsaw.org.