Like so much else in 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic is changing a longtime Christmas tradition.

Every year, the Butler County Salvation Army tries to fill the Christmas wishes of between 500 and 600 children and senior citizens through its Angel Tree program.

Children and senior citizens who qualify for the Angel Tree program write down their clothing sizes and toy wishes.

Children under the age of 12 can receive free toys, clothes, books, hats and gloves. Senior citizen requests can include clothes, bedding and personal hygiene products.

All of this information is then transferred to paper “angels” along with the recipient's age, gender and first name.

The trees with these paper angels will be placed in high-traffic areas during the holiday season. This year, the Butler Salvation Army will place trees in the Walmart and Boscov's stores in Butler.

The recipient's name will be selected by shoppers, who will then purchase any or all of the items listed.

Many businesses often contribute to the program as well.

However, due to the pandemic, Salvation Army Capt. Darlene Means said, that unlike the past when applicants came to the Salvation Army at 313 W. Cunningham St., this year people will need to call in to complete an application and then schedule an in-person verification interview.

The deadline for Angel Tree applications was Nov. 20.

Means said people have been applying for the Angel Tree program since October. There's no guarantee that a child or senior's name will get on the list to be placed on an Angel Tree, she added.

Some county businesses and groups, such as Slippery Rock University and the Butler Fire Department, run their own Angel Tree programs.

Some of the money from the Salvation Army holiday kettle campaign goes to fulfilling the wishes of some of those whose Angel Tree tags have gone unclaimed.

With a holiday season which seems destined to be more somber and solitary than years past, contributions from the Salvation Army's contributions grow in importance.

Means said many this year because of the pandemic are facing a holiday season without a job, a home or in poverty.

The Salvation Army is making an appeal for people to donate by cash, PayPal, text or Angel Tree tag.

“Twenty-five dollars can buy a child's toy, $50 can feed a family of six with a holiday meal, $100 can provide assistance with utilities,” Means said.