DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson, DeKalb District 3, is preparing to host his 14th Annual Tree of Love initiative.

The Tree of Love is a holiday celebration to provide Christmas gifts to needy children in DeKalb.

Johnson began this initiative at South DeKalb Mall in 1999 and since that time, more than 7,000 children have been adopted through the Tree of Love.

Children through the Department of Family and Children Services and from the community at-large have been the recipients of the Christmas gifts secured through the Tree of Love.

The kick-off for the event will be Saturday, Nov. 24, beginning at noon at the Gallery at South DeKalb Mall, 2801 Candler Road, Decatur, Georgia.  The
community, business owners and churches are invited to come out and take a child's name from the Tree of Love.

Gifts will be due back, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2012 when the annual Tree of Love Christmas Program will take place at the mall at noon.

Individuals and groups interested in showcasing their talents and participating in the Christmas Program in December can sign up by calling 404-964-4936.