Just days away from its annual gift distribution, The Salvation Army said gifts for hundreds of adopted Angels and Silver Bells have not been returned.
Major Dawn Worthy, associate area commander for The Salvation Army, said the Angel Tree program serves about 2,700 children in East Tennessee, and the Silver Bell program helps hundreds of seniors. These programs provide Christmas gifts to kids and seniors.
Worthy said the Angel Tree program can ease the burden on parents during the holidays.
"All of us as parents understand the want and need to provide for our children," Worthy said. "That just touches our hearts, and it makes people feel very good, so it makes us feel good."
MORE INFORMATION: The Salvation Army of Knoxville
The first gift distribution in Knox County is Friday, but as of Tuesday, Worthy said hundreds of gifts for adopted Angels and Silver Bells had not been dropped off. She also said several Angels were still not adopted, and some Angels had been turned back in because a person could not afford to buy the gifts.
"It looks like there are several hundred who are not adopted this year," Worthy said. "We're praying people are still coming in. I've received many calls of people who are coming this evening to bring those gifts in."
Worthy said it's not too late to turn in the gifts. The Salvation Army needs the Angel Tree items dropped off at its North Broadway campus before Thursday.
The Salvation Army is also asking for "forgotten Angel gifts" and monetary donations. Worthy said this will help fill its toy shop so parents can pick out gifts for children that weren't adopted through the Angel Tree.
"It's not too late," Worthy said. "Please bring them in. We really are hoping to get those gifts that were purchased for those children."
Distribution will be from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Dec. 15 and Dec. 19 at The Salvation Army at 409 N. Broadway.