MASSENA - Ornaments for the Salvation Army’s 2012 Angel Tree are now available at St. Lawrence Centre, Key Bank and First Niagara Bank in Massena.

Salvation Army Lt. Russell H. Crowsen said they are looking to provide gifts for roughly 100 children, but since the deadline to apply for gifts isn’t until Friday that number could still grow.

“We’re taking applications until Dec. 7,” he said, adding the deadline for applications for food baskets was last week.

“We’ve actually extended the deadline for toys,” Lt. Crowsen said, adding anyone in need of holiday toys can stop by the office on Russell Road to fill out an application.

The Salvation Army is open from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday, but if need be, Lt. Crowsen said evening appointments can be made by calling the office at 769-5154.

With just over a week to go before the deadline to return gifts, Lt. Crowsen said things have been going “pretty good” so far.

“We’re doing pretty good. We’ve had some people bring them back already, but we’re still looking for more to come in,” he said, adding ornaments are still available at all three locations.

“If anyone is looking for Angel Tree tags, they can get one from the tree in the hall at the mall, they can come to our Christmas Castle at the mall and also Key Bank and First Niagara have some,” he said. “We still have a lot of tags that are available.”

Lt. Crowsen said the Salvation Army is again working with Toys For Tots, so that should help ensure they’re able to fulfill their obligation to each child they’re hoping to serve this year.

He said he knows Toys For Tots drop boxes are available at BJ’s, Burger King and the Daily Courier-Observer office. “Those are just the ones I know,” he said, there are likely other boxes located around town.

When asked why people should consider donating a toy to the Salvation Army, Lt. Crowsen replied, “So that those children can have a merry Christmas like everyone else. It also helps to bring hope and joy to a family that might not have much.”

The deadline to return gifts to the Salvation Army or the Christmas Castle at the mall is Dec. 13.

Each ornament contains the first name of a child in need from the Massena area, as well as their clothing sizes and a couple of gift suggestions.

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