The holidays are here, leaving you with little time to shop for family and friends.

But have you ever thought of buying for someone you didn't even know?

A countless number of kids are in need across the nation this Christmas and the Bowling Green Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program is helping those right here in our area.

Each angel on the Angel Tree represents a child in need who has a special wish this Christmas.

The Salvation Army says more than 7,000 angels are ready to be adopted this year, but right now only five-percent of gifts for the kids have been brought in.

"Christmas is about giving, and it's about giving for the kids," said Carole Smock, a Salvation Army Angel Tree volunteer.

Surrounded by the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping sits a tree of angels -- angels waiting to be adopted.

"The kids are what is important," Smock said.

For two years, Carole Smock has helped those angels find good homes.

"There are lots of little kids who don't have clothing to go to school."

Kids are wishing for clothes, as well as gifts any boy or girl would want.

"They are up this year. There is more need this year," said Major Carla Binnix, with the Salvation Army.

Binnix says because of tough times, many families are now in need more than ever.

"With the economy the way it is, there's a lot of struggling families -- families that were doing well and suddenly found themselves without jobs," she said.

Now Binnix says The Salvation Army is waiting.

Thousands of kids are still without gifts -- gifts she's eager will start coming in soon.

"We're hoping this week those gifts will make their way in to The Salvation Army," she said.

Until then, volunteers like Carol Smock will continue encouraging anyone to take a name, ensuring every angel has a gift this Christmas.

"It makes me feel good and I'm sure it would make someone else feel good if they were taking a name and helping a child," Smock said.

Major Binnix says the last day to get your gifts in to The Salvation Army is December 12th.

Angel Trees are located at the Cracker Barrel locations in both Bowling Green and Franklin, Shoney's in Bowling Green, the Greenwood Mall and WDNS D93.