A youth group in Maryland has prepared gift bags for children.

A youth group in Maryland has been busy preparing gift bags for children.

In the city of Salisbury, St John's Lutheran Church has been providing presents for children in the area through the Salvation Army for around 15 years.

This weekend the group welcomed around 130 children, with their parents and caregivers to celebrate the festive season, Salisbury Post reports.

The building was filled with Christmas snacks, sandwiches and sweets and each of the kids were given a decorated paper bag each, which was packed with treats.

Danielle Kosanovich, the church's diaconal minister for youth and outreach, directed the young people to their various tasks.

She told the newspaper: "The best part for me was, when we were walking out to leave, a little boy said to me, 'this is the best day of my life.'"

The Salvation Army invites families who have submitted applications for assistance, with local volunteers donating food and giant bags full of gifts for each of the children.

Members of the church's congregation also did their bit by purchasing gifts to add to the collection.

As well as an opportunity to have a Christmas feast and receive presents, Neegbeah Reeves and Dave Roof, the church's cubmaster, helped read books to the kids and make various arts and crafts.

Other staff helped young guests to select and wrap gifts for their parents or caregivers.

There was also a long line to visit Santa, who sat up on the church stage to meet and greet the youngsters.

The Angel Tree project, as it has become known, has been praised for drawing the congregation together, while also reaching out to volunteers, residents and families in need of a helping hand during the holiday season.

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