News : Angel Tree a success; remaining gifts to be available Sunday

A variety of toys and gifts were available for children this year, thanks to the Angel Tree.

Although donations for the annual Angel Tree program were down a bit from last year, the number of families participating also decreased.

"It worked out well," said LaNette Parker on Thursday morning, as she helped the last of the participating parents choose gifts for their children.

In addition to clothing, toys, dolls games and other gifts for children, participating families also had the opportunity to receive a weather radio flashlight and other emergency-preparedness items. These were offered by the Benton County Disaster Recovery Coalition and funded by a grant from the Vinton Community Foundation.

Remaining items offered to general public on Sunday

From 2-3 p.m. Sunday, toys, games and puzzles donated for the program but not chosen by Angel Tree families will be offered to the general public, said Parker.