It's time to pick an angel.
McDonald County Angel Tree Project volunteers work year-round to ensure that less-fortunate children receive something for Christmas. During this part of the year, community members have the opportunity to be part of that process by taking an angel off a tree and purchasing gifts for the child represented by that angel.
Bev Goff, director of McDonald County Angel Tree Project, said this year the nonprofit organization will reach 621 children of all ages, newborn through teenagers.
"We feel like the project we're doing has been fine-tuned throughout the years, but we could not do it without the community support," she said.
Trees are out in the community for about a month, with the due date for gifts being Nov. 30 this year. Trees can be found at many local businesses, banks, churches and schools. McDonald County Angel Tree Project has a Facebook page where community members can ask questions.
"We ask for (children's) needs first, so on the tag, the boxes that are checked are their needs. The choices are suggestions. We tell every parent there are no guarantees. It's just a guideline to help the sponsor. There's no set amount they have to spend. We fund raise and receive donations from the community in order to fill those needs in case the needs aren't met when the bags come in," Goff said.
Families that qualify for Angel Tree could be included for a variety of reasons, she said, but, "The majority are low-income families, or families who have had a tragedy, health situations, grandparents raising children -- those that are struggling."
Volunteers come from throughout the community to do a variety of tasks.
"We have churches, school groups come in, individuals that have a (heart) for this project, youth groups -- a bunch from all over the county," Goff said. "Every year is different. Whoever can step up that year and do it -- we always have a lot of help."
Volunteers do fundraising in the off season, answer phone calls, take appointments with parents, take trees to the businesses and call the businesses to see how many angels are left on the tree. When the gifts come in, volunteers go through each bag to make sure the needs are met. If they are not, they make a list and go shopping.
"That part is a three-week process," Goff said.
Families will come to pick up their gifts on Dec. 18 at New Life Church in Anderson. Volunteers will prepare a meal, and pastors will share a gospel message for a few moments while families wait for their gifts, Goff said.
Parents tend to be very grateful and even emotional, she said.
"Sometimes it's a very emotional time when they see the amount they're receiving," she said. "They're overwhelmed with joy and tears. It's a really neat blessing to be a part of it. I encourage everyone to try to be a part of it in some way."
General News on 11/26/2015