Christmas is the season for giving, and many local charities — with the help of the public — have done their part to help children in need.

Local groups and organizations, like the Salvation Army, have been busy the last few months to help provide Christmas presents for the less fortunate.

Most of these organizations focus on children under the age of 12, which can leave a gap for older children.

“We place so much focus on the younger children because we know that the younger children are still excited about Christmas,” said Kesia Smith, guidance counselor at School of Discovery. “The younger kids are expecting a Christmas. As adults, we tend to think it’s just another day for [older children], when in fact, they also have a need.”

Smith, along with other community members, said that there is a need for an organization or club to come up with a way to help kids 13 and up have a good Christmas.

“If they will help targeting those older students, we probably could bring a smile on their face or make a difference in their home also,” Smith said. “My recommendation would be to target the different high schools and talk with the counselors to see where the needs are among the students.”

Major Steve Welch with the Salvation Army said he has worked in other locations where the angel tree cut off age was 17, but they always had a difficult time getting people to adopt the older ones.

He too said that there is a need in Selma and Dallas County to provide for older children, but right now he is just thankful for those that helped contribute for the current angels.

“We appreciate the generosity from the community,” Welch said. “Everyone’s always appreciative and thankful.”

Parents will be able to pick up angel tree gifts Thursday, and Welch said he always looks forward to the pick up day.

“That’s what the whole program is for, for the children,” Welch said. “[But it’s] for the parents as well. They have the dignity of giving those gifts to their children.”