Community support continues into Christmas Angel's fourh year
Nov. 23—A project that started during the COVID-19 pandemic to help those in need during the holidays returns for its fourth year.
The McAlester News-Capital and Lions Club members first started the McAlester Christmas Angels project in 2020 with members of the community quickly embracing the idea. Toliver Chevrolet became a partner in 2022 and has held two charity golf tournaments to help raise funds for the project.
Members of the community have come together every year since the project began to help more than 1,200 Pittsburg County children ranging from newborns to 18-year-olds with that number expected to grow this year.
Without the support from the community, this project would not be possible.
"It is simply amazing to see the community step uP and support this project," said McAlester News-Capital Publisher Reina Owens. "Without our community paying it forward, we would be unable to make this happen."
The Christmas Angels are placed on a tree at the News-Capital and represent a child in and around Pittsburg County needing assistance over the holidays.
Each child on the tree is anonymous and receives at least one outfit, shoes, toys, jacket, and gloves — along with a toy.
"Many needs range from toiletry items, shoes, coats, socks, underwear, hoodies, tops, pants, and the list goes on. We allow them to ask for one toy along with their needs. In many cases, the child doesn't ask for anything other than their needs. However, we always like to provide something special for them to open up.," Owens said.
Children qualify to be on the tree if they are from a family experiencing financial crisis with area school counselors and administrators helping determine which children can benefit from the project and will submit their names for consideration.
Only children a school counselor has recommended will be included in this year's project. Siblings of the child either not in school or at another school can be included as well.
"School counselors and staff are the ones that see the students day in and day out and have the ability to reach out to the parents and determine those experiencing financial hardships.," Owens said. "Once we receive the list from the schools it is strictly confidential."
After the nominations are returned, the information is transferred to the tags. The tags are then hung on a tree in the lobby of the McAlester News-Capital for individuals to pick up. After shopping for each child, participants can bring their items back to the News-Capital.
Individuals can select one or more tags. Each tag boasts the clothing size, gender, and Christmas wish list of a Pittsburg County child. Once tags have been selected, participants can shop for clothes and other Christmas wish list items the child would enjoy.
The angels will be ready and placed on the McAlester News-Capital tree by Nov. 15th through Nov. 30th. All items will need to be returned to the McAlester News-Capital by Dec. 6th. All presents will be delivered to each school in McAlester and surrounding areas before they are out for Christmas break.
People who would rather make a donation or volunteer to shop for angels can also contact the News-Capital. Checks need to be made to the McAlester News-Capital Christmas Angels.
Donations of new unwrapped toys, hygiene items, wrapping paper, and holiday gift sacks will also be accepted.
In the past, volunteers from the McAlester Football team have helped deliver the presents to local schools with other volunteers helping sort and wrap gifts prior to delivery.
Anyone who wishes to donate, volunteer, or have any further questions about the project can contact Owens at 918-421-2010 or Jessica Banks at 918-421-2007.
— Derrick James
