More than 500 children were registered on Saturday for this year’s Andalusia Community Christmas.

Patricia Gable, an ACC board member, said locations in Red Level, Straughn, Pleasant Home and Andal-usia were busy this weekend signing up families for the annual event that provides Chris-tmas presents to needy families. Community Christmas works by having the community adopt “angels” and then purchase gifts for those “angels.” It is recommend that about $60 be spent on each child.

Those angels will be out on “Angel Trees” next week for adoption, Gable said.

“So be on the lookout,” she said. “Those families need the community’s help. Now is a great time to pick up a few little things here and there that would work for either a boy or girl gift, so you can get a head start on your angel shopping.”

Gable said there are several ways the community can participate.

“Of course, there’s, as an indivdual, adopting an angel,” she said. “Or a group, say as an office group, could go together and pick out two or three angels and contribute jointly; or, if shopping is not your thing, then think about making a monetary donation. Either way, your participation is greatly appreciated.”

It costs an estimated $50,000 to purchase gifts for the children. When angels are not adopted, the Community Christmas volunteers must make those purchases – which is why donations are so important, Gable said.

The donations are tax-deductible and should be mailed to Andalusia Community Christmas Inc., P.O. Box 1525, Andalusia, AL 36420.