FLORENCE — The second and final day of distribution of food and gifts through the Salvation Army ended

Wednesday.

Recipients included 1,600 families from throughout Colbert, Franklin and Lauderdale counties.

Salvation Army Maj. Donald Wilson said the distribution went smoothly thanks to “a massive number of volunteers.”

“We had so many willing volunteers this year, and it just makes a sizeable operation like this go so much more smoothly,” Wilson said. “The volunteers were very organized and kept everything flowing.”

Toys and other gifts for children whose names were on this year’s Angel Tree, as well as food for families in need were distributed during a two-day period.

“People were appreciative of what they were given, and the volunteers, as always, did an excellent job,” Wilson said.

As for the red kettle campaign outside area businesses, bell ringers will continue to be in place collecting donations until about 5 p.m. Monday, Christmas Eve. The goal for that fund is $90,000. The Empty Table Fund also continues to accept donations for the Salvation Army. Donations may be mailed to TimesDaily, Empty Table Fund, c/o controller, P.O. Box 797, Florence, AL 35631.