On Friday the Beta Club of Symmes Valley High School began distributing toys and clothing to those in need as part of its annual Angel Tree.

“We take applications from the students and parents of the more needy children from K through eight,” Brent Cox, Beta Club adviser, said. “They fill out what their needs and wants are as far as toys and clothing.”

Then the club members cut out paper angels marking them with each children’s requests and put them on the tree. Parents are encouraged to take an angel off the tree during parent-teacher conferences and students at lunch time check out the tree and take an angel as well.

Presents are brought back to the school and then distributed. Distribution continues today and Tuesday.

This year there were in excess of 90 requests for assistance.

“That is a 25 percent increase,” Cox said. “I don’t know if it is the economic situation.”

The Angel Tree is just one of the club’s community outreach projects, including club members going to Jo-Lin Nursing Home in Ironton to sing to the residents

“It is nice for the kids to realize that there are other less fortunate people in need,” Cox said. “There are kids for whom Christmas would be very empty if not for the good graces and assistance of someone who is thoughtful.”