TO THE EDITOR:

On behalf of the 264 “angels” on the Angel Tree, I thank everyone who participated in the program. To accomplish the goal of providing, in a small way, for disadvantaged Wilkes County children at Christmas, community involvement is essential. Our citizens always seem to step up and help out when needs are identified.

So many individuals and groups reached out to these children that I could not possibly list them all, but I must express special appreciation to the following:

The Angel Tree nomination committee who identified the children and collected the information on each one;

The News-Reporter whose weekly publicity helped maintain public awareness;

The individuals, families, civic groups, churches, Sunday School classes, youth groups, and businesses who selected and provided for the angels or sent in contributions;

The high school Interact Club who provided a generous contribution and shopped and wrapped for 45 children (surely there is a future Angel Tree Chairman in that group!);

Those who donated to the Food Pantry and the First United Methodist Church youth who filled the family food boxes;

The volunteers who came and delivered the gifts and boxes all over the county.

Thanks to everyone who worked so diligently to make this ministry happen.

For the children on the Angel Tree, I hope we have touched their lives at least briefly, and that their future provides them with the opportunity to get off the tree and, in turn, help others. Merry Christmas to all.

CATHY STACKHOUSE

Angel Tree Chairman