VERSAILLES, Ky. — Volunteers with the Salvation Army started distributing toys to families Dec. 18. They continued the next day, Dec. 19, before finishing Wednesday, Dec. 20. This is part of the organization’s Angel Tree Program.

Stephanie Diaz, 13, took time away from school to volunteer and distribute toys to families who applied for the program.

When Diaz was younger, her mother, Esperanza, had signed her children up for the program to receive gifts. Diaz said she's happy to volunteer with the organization that helped her family.

“It really does feel just like a circle," Diaz said. "Hopefully, it makes me think those kids will grow up and they will be grateful for the stuff they got. Maybe one day, they will come back here, and maybe the circle will continue." 

When there was a long line of people, Diaz stayed busy finding the correct bags for each family. Each bag represents one child and has a few gifts inside.

Every child who participates in the program creates a wish list, and the Salvation Army attempts to fulfill at least one item on each list. The organization will serve about 2,400 families this year, according to a press release. Asit George, core commanding officer for the Salvation Army in Lexington, said the initiative is all about reaching out and helping others. 

Seeing the faces of the families who stop by to grab gifts for their loved ones makes the hard work worth it, Diaz said. 

“I like helping out because I like imagining the faces on the kids once they see their gifts,” she said. 

The Angel Tree Program began in 1979 in Virginia. Since then, 11 million gifts have been given to children across the U.S. by the Salvation Army.

The Lexington chapter is still taking donations. Gifts can be dropped off through Dec. 20 at its warehouse at 525 Marsailles Road in Versailles, Kentucky.