(Photo provided) The Salvation Army held its annual Angel Tree toy distribution for Tyler and Wetzel Counties on Dec. 20, helping about 100 children have a bright Christmas this year. The event was held at the Sistersville Volunteer Fire Department. From left are Tiffany Hyatt, Salvation Army soldier and seasonal worker; Sistersville VFD Chief Andy Weekley; and Salvation Army Lt. Candy Lawrence.

SISTERSVILLE – More than 100 children gleefully opened gifts they found under their Christmas trees on Christmas morning thanks to the Wetzel-Tyler County Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.

The Angel Tree toys were distributed to the families of the children on Dec. 20 at the Sistersville Volunteer Fire Department.

Salvation Army Lt. Candy Lawrence said the distribution went smoothly and lasted about 90 minutes. In addition to toys for the children, the families were also given Riesbeck’s gift cards so they could buy food for a nice Christmas dinner.

Lawrence said due to increased need and increased outreach efforts, the Salvation Army’s numbers have gone up in the counties. Three years ago only 20 children were signed up to receive help. Last year, 80 were helped and this year that number climbed to 100 children.

Lawrence said she wanted to thank everyone who chose an Angel Tree gift tag this year as without their help not as many children would have received toys and gifts.

“It’s a blessing to have the partnership we do with the fire department and Chief Andy. Without the opportunity to use the fire department we would have no location to use,” Lawrence added. “We want to make sure those volunteer firefighters understand how they are appreciated.”

Meanwhile, the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle collections were set to last until Dec. 23. This year’s goal was $200,000 and at last count the army was less than halfway to reaching it.

Lawrence said the Red Kettle donations are important as the money is used to run the army’s emergency shelter in Wheeling, along with all programming in the counties including those that help people with rental assistance, the food pantry and more.

The Salvation Army of Ohio, Marshall, Wetzel and Tyler Counties also has a virtual kettle where people can donate online at: https://give.virginiasalvationarmy.org/campaign/virtual-kettle-24-wheeling/c618325.