With the Christmas season right around the corner, one local organization is once again aiming to provide for the youth of the community.

Once again this year, the Angel Tree Program of DeWitt County is aiming to provide Christmas presents for the youth of the community who otherwise may not be fortunate enough to receive gifts this Christmas. Sue Calvert is the Director of the Angel Tree program, she explains each year they help around 500 kids, and all the donations they receive go back into the community.

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People who want to enroll their children in the Angel Tree program have to meet several criteria. Calvert explains they must submit a copy of their income, only the past 30 days, they must submit their Social Security cards and any other forms of money they would receive, such as child support and foster care checks. Calvert encourages anyone who may think they do not meet the criteria to apply because if they do not there is a good possibility they could connect them to other programs that provide assistance this time of the year.

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Along with the many individuals that will "adopt" a child for Christmas, Calvert explains several community groups will get involved and adopt a child or two and buy them Christmas gifts. She feels especially when younger kids get involved, it makes for a great community effort.

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There is still time to adopt a child for the Angel Tree program this year. Gifts must be submitted by December the 3rd, and they will be distributed December 7. Calvert says there are several churches and businesses that Christmas lists can be obtained from. The churches include St. Patrick's in Wapella, Clinton Christian Church, St. John's Catholic, First United Methodist Church, and the Clinton Presbyterian Church. The businesses include the State Bank of Lincoln in Clinton, Farmer City State Bank, and First National Bank.

Calvert says you can take those donations to the First National Bank for Clinton residents, and the Farmer City State Bank is handling the Farmer City donations.

For more information you can contact Sue Calvert at suecalvert13@gmail.com or you can visit them on Facebook at DeWitt County Samaritan Room/Angel Tree.