The Angel Tree
Samantha Latos
For the Clock
slatos@plymouth.edu
The Angel Tree Project ran from Nov.17 to Dec. 2. PSU students, as well as several schools and committees in the surrounding area, participated in this annual charity event to help less-fortunate families with young children. The objective of The Angel Tree Project is to gather as many children’s toys as possible.
Shoppers, or angels, have until Dec. 9 to deliver the presents to Samuel Reed Hall, and gifts are donated to children in need during the holidays. Volunteers handed out cards, each with a child’s name and what kinds of presents he or she wanted.
Brooke Sweet, secretary of PSU Volunteers said, “This event really isn't geared towards raising money. The goal is for us to make sure that each card is picked up by someone, because each card represents a child in need during this holiday.” Brooke has been involved with this event for three years now, and she said it has been successful in the past.
Generous angel shoppers chose a card listing a child’s age, what they needed, and what they wished for. Some students volunteered their time to give away cards in the HUB, and many purchased Christmas gifts for their assigned child. The volunteers involved in the project are rewarded with having their names featured on the Christmas tree set up in the HUB Fireplace Lounge.
Sweet believes The Angel Tree greatly impacts the community. “I feel that this is a great event to be involved in, because buying one child a gift is such a small way to make a huge difference in a child's life. By participating in this event, you are working toward making a child's Christmas even better, and that is so important.”
Everyone who purchased a present for a child in need truly performed a Christmas miracle. Because of those who volunteered, the children’s dreams will come true this year.