The Salvation Army Angel Tree is up at Barton Creek Mall, decorated with ornaments that bear the names of Austin children who are hoping a sponsor will give Santa a little help fulfilling their Christmas wishes this year.

On Friday, the Salvation Army’s kettles will make their appearances in front of Austin shopping centers and businesses, collecting money to provide basic services like food and shelter to the homeless and needy in Central Texas.

This year, even people with day jobs can join the fun and help support the organization by becoming “virtual” bell ringers.

“Instead of ringing a bell at Wal-Mart and braving the rain, cold, heat and whatever else the weather throw at us, you can ring a bell and fill your kettle with donations from your own living room,” said Raul Munoz, community development director for the Austin Area Salvation Army.

By visiting uss.salvationarmy.org/uss/www_uss_austinma.nsf, just about anyone can set up and host a red kettle and collect donations from friends. People can also sponsor a child for Christmas by visiting jcpenny.com and clicking on the Angel Tree link. Even those unable to visit the mall or shop for toys can choose a child, shop online and bring a smile to the face of a local boy or girl.

The Salvation Army will be holding its annual Thanksgiving Dinner at 501 East Eighth St. The downtown center is the largest emergency shelter in Central Texas. Christmas Day dinner will also be served at the center on Dec. 25. The meals are open to everyone, the poor and the well off alike.

“Some folks come because they can’t economically afford the meal,” Munoz said. “Some folks are just lonely – by themselves without families. And then, there are the weary travelers, staying in a hotel or whatever away from home.”

Munoz said the organization has plenty of volunteers to help serve both holiday meals, but that everyone is welcome to a seat at the table.

“When you sit there and eat with a homeless person, maybe the meal tastes even better,” he said.

Like most charitable organizations, the local Salvation Army has felt the hit of the down economy. Munoz said the local branch is not getting the big donations it has in the past. He said the organization now really depends on regular small donations from people who give a little every month.

“People recognize we are providing basic needs – food, water and shelter,” he said. “They may not have a lot of money, but those people who send those monthly checks for $10 and $20 really sustain us.”