The Junior Auxiliary of Brookhaven is looking for help inbringing a little cheer to more than 300 needy children in thearea.

Residents can give and even receive some holiday cheer byadopting an angel for the JA’s Wish Trees, located at First Bank,Bank of Brookhaven, State Bank on Brookway Boulevard, Trustmark onWhitworth Avenue and Wal-Mart Supercenter.

“We are probably going to have around 320 children and that’s alittle more than usual, so we need all the help we can get,” saidGinnie Dunaway, co-chairwoman of the Wish Tree effort.

She attributed the increased number this year to a tightereconomy and uncertain times.

“The people in this town have always been very generous, and Ithink they are aware that others are in need,” she said.

The descriptions of the children in need are written onornaments attached to the Wish Trees around town. Each ornament hasa child’s age, shoe size, clothing sizes and sex listed on it.

“These are children referred to us through the schools. Weserved the city and county schools, along with the daycares,” saidKristi Carver, who also co-chairs the event.

Those wishing to adopt a child should fill out the adjoiningside of the ornament with their own name, address and phonenumber.

“They leave that part in the bag beside the tree, so that ifthey don’t turn in their gifts in time we can contact them,” saidCarver.

People, churches, businesses or classes who adopt a child areasked to provide as much as possible. JA tries to give each childthree toys, two outfits, socks, underwear, pajamas, shoes, atoothbrush, toothpaste and a coat.

All gifts should be left unwrapped and placed under the treewhere the ornament was pulled, with the ornament attached to them,by Dec. 6 at the banks and Dec. 8 at Wal-Mart.

The Wish Tree children who are not adopted by the community willnot be left out. JA plans to buy whatever items are not provided,so monetary donations will also be welcome.

Dunaway and Carver encouraged people to get into the holidayspirit early and do something that will leave a lastingimpression.

“It feels good to adopt a child, and it really helps some needypeople right here in Lincoln County,” said Carver. “We had somereally good letters last year from people who received gifts. Theywere so appreciative.”