Something I have always loved to participate in is the Angel Tree at Christmas. Have you ever seen a Christmas tree with little angel shaped tags hanging on it with the name of a boy or girl in need? That is Angel Tree.Angel Tree is actually a prison ministry. The point is for an incarcerated parent to keep ties with their children through the kindness of a stranger. The stranger adopts an Angel and purchases gifts on the incarcerated parents behalf and then turns the gifts over to an Angel Tree coordinator who delivers the gifts to the children.
I've always been involved with Angel Tree on the buying end of the process. I purchased gifts and happily let someone else take care of getting the gifts to where they belong.
A few years ago our church had quite a bit of upheaval. Our pastor left and so did about half the congregation. It was a hard time. Many of our ministry projects which had been run by certain people for years were suddenly without leaders.
One that broke my heart was the Angel Tree program. We just couldn't stop doing this program. Those kids needed us! Their lives were greatly improved by this ministry. I put my big girl drawers on and volunteered to lead the charge.
Hubs and I have been steadily working at coordinating the program for several months now. We have called all of our families, gotten loads of presents from our wonderful church family, and now we are ready to deliver the presents.
Thankfully, I have loads of helpers to assist me in delivering all of those presents. Hubs, Little Bit and I are pairing up with another family to deliver gifts to a very Special Girl and her caregiver. I have talked with the caregiver several times on the phone. Each time was such a blessing to me. She is a sweet lady who has had surgery and lost her job because of it. She has so many things going on that would bring me to my knees but through all our conversations she has been nothing but positive.
The caregiver mentioned that her special girl isn't even expecting anything for Christmas this year. Special Girl knows that things are hard. I am so very blessed to be able to bring Christmas and the love of Jesus to Special Girl.
Programs like Angel Tree help to improve the life of children. I am honored to work with Disney's Champions for Kids program. That means that along with the gifts that my church family has blessed Special Girl with she is also going to get some super fun Disney themed goodies. I can't wait to hit Walmart and pick them out for her. We go to visit Special Girl on Sunday afternoon so be looking for my follow up post.
Want to know how you can help to change the lives of kids in your community? Check out the Champions For Kids website, Facebook page, and on Twitter.
This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. All opinions and life experiences are my very own. #CBias, #DisneyCFK
I don't know that I have seen the angel tree, but we do have different trees around our town that you can pick a card off and get a gift for that child. I think it is such a great idea.
ReplyDeleteWe've participated with Angel Tree in the past, and it really is an awesome program.
ReplyDeleteWe have a tradition in our home that everyone with a job of some sort has to pick a tag from the angel tree and get the needed gift. It is such a wonderful feeling to be able to help such sweet children. It is awesome that you took up the task and kept the Angel Tree ministry going.
ReplyDeleteThat is so awesome! I teared up thinking of the joy that girl is going to have! You are amazing for doing the Angel Tree ministry and stepping up like that. It sounds like it's just as big a blessing to you as it is for the special kids.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't surprise me that you took on the challenge to continue the Angel Tree. I already knew that you are an amazing woman!
ReplyDeleteMy 13 year old son approached me the other day saying he wanted to do this...I am so grateful for his giving spirit.
For several years now, he has made a wooden doll house and given (in secret) it to different kids in need. This year, he wants to build another one, but we can't do it. Next year we will pick up again.
You are such a blessing to that girl, and I know that you are being blessed for your efforts to make Christmas special for those that otherwise wouldn't have Christmas!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to read your promised follow up post :)
My husband works for a church and we do this as well. It is always a joy to help out someone in need.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing blessing you are to take on such a great ministry! Angel Tree is such an important ministry and helps so many out. It needs people like yourselves who understand its importance and are willing to go into action to help make the program the success that it is!
ReplyDeletefollowing from blog hop :) would love a follow back :)
ReplyDeletewww.buildinganewhive.blogspot.com
how great is that! that is a great cause. bless your heart
ReplyDeleteAmazing wonderful post so nice to meet you. I have just found your lovely blog through the blog hop this weekend wonderful to join in. I'm now following you hope you visit me and follow back so nice to find new friends to catch up with. Have a great day.
ReplyDeleteAlways Wendy
You have an amazing heart :) You are a blessing, and I truely admire you for that. I love the Angel Tree, the hospitals here do something like that and the local schools make cards that get sent there.
ReplyDeleteWow....I definitely admire your bravery. You took on such a huge task, but at least the cause is more than worth it. It sounds like a great way to get the family together to do something for others and to teach the children how important it is to give at least as much as you receive.
ReplyDeleteMy boyfriend's workplace does the angel tree every year. His boss even gives the employees $40 each to spend on their angel. How awesome is that?