(11-3-21) Angel Tree, established in 2005, brings together the efforts of area agencies, organizations, churches and businesses to provide Christmas gifts for local families. This heart-warming, inspiring event provides Christmas joy to children all across the county and stands as a testament to the power of partnership and collaboration in our region.

Committee members estimate that Angel Tree will provide Christmas gifts for over 800 children this year. The goal is for every child to receive two toys and one outfit and for each item to be selected specifically for that child by the child’s parent/guardian at Angel Tree Shopping Days on December 9th and 10th.

All income-eligible parents in Mercer County are asked to complete an application for Angel Tree online at www.ourhomefrc.com. Once the application is successfully submitted, parents/guardians will receive an email invitation to Angel Tree.

Deb Simon-Heinfeld, Our Home’s Marketing/Development Coordinator explained –

“We began accepting applications for gifts several weeks ago, Now, we are looking for ‘Christmas Angels’ to make these children’s dreams come true!”

According to Simon-Heinfeld there are several ways local folks can “earn their Angel wings”: purchasing gifts, volunteering, or providing financial support.

Purchasing gifts: Groups take Angel Tree gift tags and display them on a tree so the group’s members, staff, or customers can purchase and donate gifts. They collect the gifts and deliver them to the program by December 6th. To request gift tags, contact Betty Leininger at 419-586-1352.

Volunteering: Hundreds of volunteers are needed to help setup, sort gifts, and “shop” with parents. Help will be needed each day, December 7th through December 10th, for various roles. Note: Masks are required for volunteers and program participants. To volunteer, contact Diane Martens at 419-586-3645.

Providing Financial Support: Monetary gifts help the committee purchase wrapping paper, provide families food/toiletry bags, buy items for unfilled gift tags, and cover program expenses. Mail or drop off donations to Our Home at 117 West Fayette St., Celina, OH 45822. Alternately, donations can be made online at ourhomefrc.com by clicking the blue donate button on the homepage. Please make checks payable to “Our Home”.

If you have any questions about the Angel Tree program, please feel free to contact Our Home at 419-586-4663.

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