Edwina Barrera, a volunteer at the Salvation Army, was heartbroken when she saw a single angel still on one of their local angel trees. She moved the angel to a better location and hoped for the best.

It’s a simple plan. Fill a tree with gift wishes for Beaufort County’s angels and someone will fill that wish.

But those at the Salvation Army know that even the simplest plans aren’t foolproof.

“We’ve had 396 angel applications this year. So far, only 266 have been adopted,” said Lt. Goldie Rabon of the Salvation Army as she stood in the warehouse where the angel tree gifts are sorted and stored. “I am looking at a big old empty floor where bags should be.”

Angels will be available for adopting until Dec. 14. Families will pick them up Dec. 16. Rabon said she was in need of volunteers for Monday’s pick-up, too.

Ideally, the Salvation Army tries to have three gifts per child, averaging about $20 per gift.

For those who cannot afford to spend $50 to $75 on an angel’s presents, Rabon recommended purchasing a few clothes and dropping them off at the Salvation Army, 112 E 7th St, Washington, N.C. 27889, between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. She guaranteed all donations would find a child.

Right now, there is a need for all ages and all genders.

“Otherwise, these children are going to be without Christmas,” she said. “We’re just going on faith that they will be adopted.”

To volunteer or get more information, call the Salvation Army at 946-2523.