Making dreams come true is easier than you think.

Interested individuals can visit the dream tree near J.C. Penney’s at Walnut Square Mall, pick an ornament off the tree with a child’s or senior citizen’s wish, purchase the wish and then return it to the customer service desk at the mall.

The child’s and senior’s name, size and Christmas dream are on the ornament to make shopping easy. Participants are asked to leave the tag on the gift so it will go to the proper child or senior citizen.

Last year, 400 children and 18 senior citizens had their Christmas dreams come true through the program. There may be even more this year — and they will be new names.

“Every gift that is purchased is given to that child. No substitutions are made. So if you buy a gift for a child, parent or senior citizen, you can be assured it will go to that (person),” said Jane Harrell, co-chairman of Christmas Dreams. “It is important to Wanda Legg and me that each child receives their gift.”

Children and adult names are furnished by the Whitfield County Department of Family and Children Services. These are people who may not have a Christmas celebration without your help.

“We are looking at an increase in the number of children this year,” said Rebecca Haley, DFCS manager. “Our case workers report a record number of families needing assistance. We really hope folks will help these children have a merry Christmas. So many of the things they ask for are just necessities or things they see other children have. Christmas Dreams is a wonderful way to show the true meaning of Christmas.”

Senior citizens have a special need for paper products because they cannot be purchased with food stamps. Requests for paper towels and toilet tissue are on many Christmas wishes.

Children, of course, ask for toys, but some want things so basic as underwear or just a pillow. A 12-year-old girl asked for a bedroom door last year, and a grandmother raising her grandchildren had just been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Donations may be made by sending a check made out to “Department of Family and Children Services, Christmas Dreams” to P.O. Box 1203, Dalton, GA 30722. The “Dream Team” will do your shopping for you.