The Salvation Army's Angel Tree program begins Friday afternoon at the University Park Mall. Shoppers choose an angel from the tree and then buy Christmas gifts for that child.

The program helps children in need in St. Joseph County.

Last year, the Salvation Army's program helped 1,650 children. This year's need has risen more than 15-percent.

A volunteer helps the shopper, or guardian angel, choose an angel, then the shopper is asked to buy 3-5 gifts for the child.

The unwrapped gifts can be returned to the Angel Tree at the mall or to the Salvation Army Kroc Center before December 16.

Guardian Angels can volunteer at the Angel Tree Booth or at the Kroc Center on December 20 when the parents come pick up the gifts for their children.