The Tamaqua Salvation Army is once again working to ensure that children will wake up to presents on Christmas morning.

The local service center is hoping to fulfill the wishes of about 700 children of area families in need through its Angel Tree program.

Jael Houser, regional manager for the Salvation Army service extension, said the Army put a cap on the number this year and that registration has ended.

“We still do need help,” Houser said. “We always need the help for the kids.”

She’s hoping that individuals, families, businesses and organizations take Angel Tree tags from special trees set up inside Walmart stores in Hometown and Lehighton.

The tags contain a child’s name, age and their requests for clothing or toys.

Individuals choose a tag from the tree and shop for the items. Both stores have boxes where the items can be dropped.

Or, Houser said, people can call the Tamaqua office at 570-668-0410.

Businesses or organizations wishing to donate a larger quantity of toys and clothing suitable for those ages 0 to 12 may call 570-668-0410. Checks may also be made to the Salvation Army and sent to the service center at 246 E. Broad St., Tamaqua, PA, 18252. All donations stay in the area.

Toys will be distributed in time for Christmas.

In 2023, the Salvation Army received requests for about 800 children.