Angel Tree campaign begins
Acommunity tradition that will help many children in need feel the magic of Christmas was celebrated with students and teachers from St. Teresa of Calcutta Elementary School on Thursday.
Lethbridge Family Services began its 26th annual Angel Tree Christmas campaign at the elementary school. The Angel Tree campaign helps thousands of families each year by showing generosity and kindness of the community through the campaign.
LFS works with referral agencies to help identify children who are most in need of gifts each holiday season.
Last year, 2,294 gifts were provided to children ages 18 and under, with the help of approximately 240 volunteers.
LFS is expecting an increase this year for supporting families in need. Not only does LFS help those in Lethbridge with Angel Tree area. 103 individuals help brighter Choice which volunteered the LFS. The last businesses but families organization has Savings 16 Christmas. also years, supported for with in in the and and the need donated Angel campaign surrounding private partnered The Credit have and Tree First $5,000 a Union, for to with to
their out children campaign. Sandra the aim spirit with is Mintz, to of the help Christmas CEO Angel parents of Tree LFS, for bring says make for Christmas “We their sure know children they morning, that have parents to open and something if want up they on to need proud, be able help honoured, to provide with that, and that we’re humbled help,” very said to Mintz. the St. Angel Teresa Tree students campaign will this help year with
by them having in their gift home bags provided room class. to Each gift bag will have a paper angel with the gift recipient’s age
and gender on it to help find a gift best suited for them. Students will be encouraged to take the paper angel to an adult to help them buy a gift for a child in need this Christmas. Anthea Boras, principal at St. Teresa, says a way they can continue to give back is by honouring their school’s motto which is to lead with love. Their faith theme this year is to share your bounty with others who may not be so fortunate. “It encourages everyone to share their time, talent and treasures because not everyone has those treasures to share but we have the time and talent,” says Boras. “So it’s a way that we can continue to give back.” LFS hopes to achieve their fundraising goal of $35,000 by having gift bundles for every child in need this Christmas. Gifts and donations will be collected until Dec. 20, and delivered to the homes of children by Dec. 22. If you would like to help a child in need this Christmas, you can drop off gifts at LFS main office, or visit www.lfsfamily.ca to donate. Follow @ AmandaMicHerald on Twitter