PIKE CO, Mo. – Alice Ackerman knows the value of the Angel Tree program. The Pike County woman’s family received gifts last year. So, this Christmas, she plans to give back. Angel Tree is an effort of NECAC, the Salvation Army and Bowling Green Walmart. People who shop at Walmart will be able to select a tag from the Angel Tree and buy gifts listed. NECAC and the Salvation Army will make sure the packages get to families.  “I think it’s a great program,” Ackerman said. “It’s helped me in the past. Times are tough. It’s always good to know there are people out there to help.”  Angel Tree is open to Pike County, Mo., residents only. Tags will not identify recipients, but will have their age, gender and gift requests. Clothing and toys are especially needed. All gifts must be new, but shoppers are allowed to substitute age-appropriate items. Ackerman, who works full-time, moved to Pike County from Upstate New York more than a year ago, and is raising three grandchildren.  “I’m better than I was last year and the year before,” she said. “I don’t have a lot, but I try to give back. The Angel Tree program shows there are people out there who give. That tree is going to mean a lot.” Ackerman also plans to ring bells for the Red Kettle campaign overseen by NECAC, the Salvation Army, Walmart and County Market in Louisiana. It runs through Dec. 24. People are needed to ring bells for a couple of hours at a time. Day and evening shifts are available, and the schedule is flexible.  Ackerman urges others to give or volunteer as they can this holiday season. “There’s more to life than taking,” she said. “Christmas is about giving, not getting.”  More information about Angel Tree and bell ringing is available by calling NECAC Pike County Service Coordinator Penny Dixon at 573-324-2207.