LEXINGTON, Ky. — 'Tis the season of giving, and the Salvation Army in Lexington is making sure every kid has a Merry Christmas. The nonprofit handed out bags of toys this past Wednesday, Dec. 20, as part of its Angel Tree program. 

Wednesday marked the final day of the Lexington Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program, a toy giveaway for Central Kentucky families who applied for the program.

“The families come over here; they will bring their ID, and then we give them the toys, bicycles, whatever they need," said area coordinator Asit George. "Plus, in addition, we also give them a Kroger card to buy food." 

George said it began taking applications in September. Applicants tell the Salvation Army where they live and the number of children in their home.

“We take those names, and we put nametags, which we call 'Angel tags,'" George said. "We take those angels and have them at stores like Walmart, Kroger, Lexington Green, Fayette Mall and all of these different people, individuals, families and corporations. They all buy these toys for the children." 

Salvation Army Central Kentucky serves residents in Fayette, Jessamine and Scott counties.

“We are helping 2,400 families, which is approximately 5,000 children," George said.

George said while many associate the Salvation Army with Christmas and the Red Kettles, the organization reaches people in need 365 days a year.

“We just don’t help during Christmas, during Thanksgiving; we helped out at least 1,100 people with food," George said.

George has a simple message for anyone in need

“There’s no shame or stigma attached to it; if you have a need, you come, and you are helped," George said.

The Salvation Army Angel Tree program began in 1979 and has given 11 million gifts to children across the U.S.