WDEF News 12 proudly sponsors the Salvation Army's Christmas Campaign this year.

Friday night, Rachel Oesch and Brian Smith helped kick off the program that provides gifts for children in need.

Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield joined them as the Christmas Chairman.

Kimberly George, Salvation Army, "The need has increased this year. Already we have 167 more angels at this point than we were last year. So, this next week is another week of registration. It's usually our busiest week. So, we know we're gonna even go beyond where we were last year."

Sponsors made the first of many donations to the Red Kettles and cut the ribbon on the Holiday Hyundai that will go around town reminding people to pick up an angel.