Wendell Foster has initiated its annual Angel Tree gift campaign, aiming to bring joy to residents, outpatient clients, and the children of employees experiencing financial hardship this holiday season. The campaign invites community members to participate by selecting ornaments from a tree adorned with gift requests crafted by third graders from Highland Elementary School. Each ornament specifies a recipient’s name and their desired gift.
Hailey Neal, the volunteer coordinator for Wendell Foster, emphasized the profound impact the program has on participants. “For most of the people that participate in this program, it really makes a huge difference in the holiday that they have,” she stated. The tree began with 140 ornaments and currently has around 65 remaining, showcasing the community’s engagement.
The gift requests for residents primarily consist of gift cards to their favorite stores and restaurants. Neal noted that allowing recipients the freedom to choose their own gifts adds a sense of independence. “It just adds a lot of independence, with them getting to pick out their own gifts,” she explained.
For outpatient clients and the children of employees, the ornaments feature specific gift requests. Neal shared that applicants provide details about what they would like for Christmas. “Whenever people apply, they will tell us a little bit about what they want for Christmas,” she said. Each angel ornament is assigned a budget of $50 to $100, with efforts made to ensure fairness among siblings, as some parents apply for multiple children.
For those who prefer not to shop for gifts, monetary donations are welcome. Community members can pick up angel ornaments between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. from Monday to Friday at the Elmer Administration Building located at 815 Triplett St. All gifts must be returned unwrapped by December 15, with the original tags attached. Neal clarified the policy, stating, “There is no wrapping. But we do encourage people, if they want, to donate wrapping supplies or gift bags for the parents when they pick up their children’s gifts.”
Neal expressed gratitude for the ongoing support the campaign receives, highlighting its significance for the Wendell Foster community. “Really, the main thing is it’s a really amazing program that benefits our entire Wendell Foster community — from our clients to residents to employee families,” she remarked.
To learn more about the Angel Tree campaign or to contribute, visit Wendell Foster’s official website at wendellfoster.org.
