LEXINGTON, Ky. (WKYT) - Officials with the Salvation Army say that the Angel Tree program has been a success.

Families lined up Tuesday morning to pick up their gifts. "Without this program we wouldn't have Christmas at my house," explains Christina Helton. "They've been helping us out for a few years and I can't tell you how amazing it is to see the smiles on my kids faces. It really does feel like Christmas for them."

Christina Helton's family is just one of the more than 3,000 families that the Angel Tree program is helping. "The community gave generously and as a result more than 5,000 children in Lexington will have new gifts under the tree, that's what this is all about," explains Major Debra Ashcraft with the Salvation Army.

Families were also given hearty meals to take home for Christmas as well. "Gifts and a full dinner really makes it feel like Christmas I think," explains Major Ashcraft.

The Salvation Army of Central Kentucky services Fayette, Jessamine and Scott counties. Major Ashcraft says they expect to serve over 6,000 children and more than 3,000 families between all three counties. "This is a success mainly because of the generosity of the community members. Without them this wouldn't be possible."

For more information on the Angel Tree program click the link:

http://www.use.salvationarmy.org/use/www_use_LexKentucky.nsf