Since 1985, there has been a grassroots effort to make sure that every child in Union County has gifts from Santa on Christmas morning. That effort started out under the name Union County Toys for Tots and operated under the Union County Business and Professional Association. Now, it's called Union County Children's Charities Under the Tree, and this year it will serve 427 children right here at home.

Union County Trustee Gina Buckner has headed the effort for many years, and she said it's not too late to help out as a volunteer on distribution day, set for 9 a.m. to noon Dec. 8. Parents and guardians will arrive at Union County High School to pick up their kids' toys, but that's not all they will receive. Upwards of 10 local churches will be on hand to give families hygiene products, coats, gloves, hats, mittens, books, diapers, laundry detergent, school supplies and more. Buckner said there is a need for people to walk with families and help them carry the items they receive. Volunteers should arrive at the school by 8 a.m.

"Just show up that Saturday morning and there will be plenty for you to do," said Buckner.

Under the Tree gathers more than 100 volunteers on distribution day each year, a true community effort. But many volunteer hours go into the weeks and months before that day. Buckner said Carol Pratt organizes a group of women who go to the businesses who have agreed to be drop-off locations, pick up the toys and assemble the bags.

"They've got their hands in every bag that goes out to make sure every kid gets their wishlist," said Buckner.

Other notable volunteers are the staff of the Union County Trustee's Office, Brooke Simpson, Pam Holbert and Tammy George, who field phone inquiries and process the applications, in addition to the Under the Tree board of directors. She also thanked organizations like the Union County High School Beta Club and Horace Maynard Middle School basketball team for collecting toys this year. And she thanked the businesses who have put up Angel Trees and served as toy collection points.

Christmas trees bearing ornaments with children's wish lists were in many local businesses, including the banks, Food City, Tolliver's Market, Okie's, David McCollough State Farm, Rhonda's and more.

For Buckner, Under the Tree is a big part of her family's Christmas tradition. And she thinks Under the Tree has been successful for so many years because it's part of other families' traditions, too.

"I think so many people realize that it's needed here in Union County for all the kids to receive Christmas gifts at Christmas," she said. "We live in such a giving place. When you start opening up these bags and see what one person bought for one child, it's amazing."

For more information about donating or volunteering with Under the Tree, call the Union County Trustee's Office at 865-992-5943.