ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) — On Friday, Dec. 15, the Salvation Army of Roanoke posted yesterday that they were in desperate need of gifts after discovering that over 200 angels from their angel trees had not been returned.

The Salvation Army normally covers the cost of incomplete angels. However, there were a few more this year than normal. With just four days until their distribution day, those with the Salvation Army were hoping for a Christmas miracle.

“We’ve gotten some notes from people that say “hey, I was sick”, but that doesn’t account for all of them. So it’s just a large number this year that was not returned to us,” said Major Cristina Trantham, a Corps. Officer with the Salvation Army of Roanoke.

As a last-minute attempt to make something happen, the Salvation Army reached out to the community to help and the community answered.

“Like clockwork, at one o’clock in full force, people began to show up,” Trantham said.

Those in the community brought fulls, carts fulls, even trunks full of gifts — helping to make sure even the youngest in the community could enjoy something for Christmas.

“I went on [Facebook]live and asked my friends to donate and so they’ve been donating all day and we’ve been at Target and Walmart getting toys because I think all kids should be able to open up something on Christmas,” said Amanda Boltinghouse, a Roanoke County resident.

From older generations to younger ones just learning the concept of giving, from those with kids to those without — at some point there was a steady flow of donations. Trantham said she’s grateful to everyone in the community who came to help out.

“I have been very overwhelmed this afternoon. I have been brought to tears several times, just with gratitude. To see our community come together and respond in this way has just been incredible,” Trantham said. “I’ve seen a true christmas miracle happen today and I am so grateful for that.”

If you’re looking to donate Trantham says they’re looking for toys for girls of all ages and some toys for older boys as well. The Salvation Army says they’re accepting donations for the holiday season during their normal operating hours. The last day to give for the angel wishes is Tuesday, Dec. 19. The Army’s distribution day is on Wednesday, Dec. 20.