The holiday season is a time when Americans reflect on our blessings. We spend time with our families and loved ones. Houses are decorated, presents wait under the tree, and tables are laden with delicious holiday food.
But for many, the holidays are not a joyous occasion. Instead, they magnify in hurting families the absence of an incarcerated parent.
That is why Angel Tree®, a program of Prison Fellowship®, serves hundreds of thousands of children and their families across the nation every year.
Photo by Andrew Neel
ANGELS NEEDED IN UNION COUNTY
In Union County, South Carolina, Angel Tree volunteer Sanders Reed is doing his part to ensure that the children in his community have a blessed Christmas.
“Fifty-five children in Union County have been registered in Prison Fellowship’s® Angel Tree [program],” Reed shared with The Union Times this week. “We need caring people who are willing to take the name of one of these children and buy presents for that child. A number of names are still available.”
Through Angel Tree, incarcerated parents are able to give their children Christmas gifts. They also send a message to their children with the gifts.
For the children, the gift means more than just a new toy. Churches around the country deliver the Gospel message and gifts to thousands of children on behalf of their incarcerated parents. This simple act lets the child know that their parent in prison loves them and has not forgotten them.
“We can hardly imagine the joy children feel when they know that the incarcerated parents have not forgotten them—and the joy the parents feel in being able to do this for their children,” Reed said. “These gifts often lead to healing of family relationships, and even to members of the family coming to faith in Jesus Christ.”
This year, Angel Tree is partnering with Zondervan to give a Spanish or English Bible to every Angel Tree family that wants one. Because God loves and cares for these children, too.
YOU CAN HELP
There are still several counties in more than 20 states who still need volunteers to ensure that no child is forgotten this Christmas. To find out how you can be an angel this Christmas, visit our Angel Tree page.
Get updated information on which counties are underserved on our blog.
