The Chattanooga and Cleveland Salvation Army Angel Tree Program deadline to adopt an “angel” this Christmas was Dec. 4, but with more than 1,100 still needing to be adopted, the deadline has been extended to Dec. 9.

The Salvation Army Angel Tree provides Christmas assistance for needy children, their families and senior citizens who would not otherwise receive gifts, including necessities like food and warm clothing.

The local Salvation Army registered 4,763 “angels” this year, a 39 percent increase from three years ago. Angels Trees are at Hamilton Place, Northgate and Bradley Square shopping malls.

“We are asking the community to really be generous during these last few days of Angel Tree so all the angels will be adopted and have a wonderful Christmas,” said Teresa Newsome, associate area commander. “We also need for those who have adopted angels to return these gifts as soon as they possibly can.”

Secret Santa is helping The Salvation Army get closer to its Red Kettle Goal of $400,000.

“I want to say a big 'thank you' to the anonymous donor who dropped $3,700 in the red kettle outside of the Fort Oglethorpe K-Mart on Battlefield Parkway,” said Al Newsome, area commander for The Salvation Army.

Monetary donations are needed to purchase gifts for children and seniors. Donations can be placed in any of the Red Kettles, mailed to 822 McCallie Ave., given online at csarmy.org or by calling 1-800-Sal-Army.

For more information, contact Kimberly George, director of marketing and development, at 423-756-1023.