Each of the 2,500 slips of red paper holds someone’s holiday wish:

Sullyann, 7, wants princess clothing.

Jesus, 6, wants a Speed Racer car.

Liban, 11, wants a basketball game.

But those wishes might not be answered. For the fi rst time in decades, the local Salvation tiffany jewelry Army’s Angel Tree program has not distributed all of the wish cards to anonymous Santas.

The Reading Corps has 2,500 of the 10,000 red cards remaining at its Christmas headquarters because more people are in need and fewer people are buying gifts, said Kay F. Meitrott, director of social services.

“It’s the economy,” she said. “People in Berks County are very generous, but these are very hurting times right now.”

The angel tree program makes the holidays a little brighter for low-income children and senior citizens. They write down what they want for Christmas and that wish is picked up by strangers who buy the gifts.

“It gives the community an opportunity to more personally participate in helping make Christmas cufflinks great for someone else,” said Major Colin D. DeVault.

This year, children asked for such things as Hannah Montana gear and wrestling figures, Meitrott said.

Seniors, whose wishes make up less than 10 percent of the gift requests, asked for portable grocery carts and movie tickets, she said.

When families and individuals sign up for the Angel Tree program, they’re also applying for the agency’s numerous holiday and year-round programs, including holiday food and low-cost heating fuel and electricity. Qualifying families earn up to double the poverty level, or $44,100 for a family of four.

Churches, companies, schools and stores pick up the angel cards, each with each individual money clips wish.

The gifts are usually not more than $25.

There are still 2,500 cards available.

The presents are due Dec. 11, in time for distribution a week later.

Contact Erin Negley: 610-371-5047 or enegley@readingeagle.com.