Thanks to You, Angel Tree 2018 Was a Huge Success!

In December 2018, more than 290,000 children received Christmas gifts from their incarcerated parents through the Prison Fellowship^® Angel Tree^® program. Thank you!

"You made the 2018 Angel Tree outreach a huge success!" says James J. Ackerman, president and chief executive officer of Prison Fellowship. "Your response to Angel Tree this year was simply humbling. My wife Martha and I have been Angel Tree Christmas participants and coordinators for more than 15 years. Seeing the look of absolute joy on the face of a child getting a Christmas gift from their mom or dad in prison is something that never leaves you. It's truly life-changing. You were a part of making these smiles possible this year."

ABOUT ANGEL TREE

Through the Angel Tree program, eligible children receive a Christmas gift and a personal message from their incarcerated mom or dad. Families are also given free access to a copy of a children's Bible if they are interested. Since 1982, thousands of children have been blessed in this way by generous and faithful churches, organizations, and individuals.

When the Church comes together to "remember the prisoner" and serve prisoners' children, an opportunity for healing and reconciliation occurs. So much more than a gift, Angel Tree is encouragement. It's a reminder that a child is not forgotten. It's the hope of the Gospel, delivered to one child at a time.

"These children didn't have a say in their parents' decisions that led to prison, but together we can show them a different, hopeful life is possible," says James.

ANGEL TREE YEAR ROUND

In recent years, Prison Fellowship has taken the Angel Tree program further. We now offer Angel Tree Sports Clinic^™ and Angel Tree Camping^®.

ANGEL TREE SPORTS CLINIC—LIFTING KIDS UP

Angel Tree hosts sports clinics where children of prisoners gain skills in various sports and learn about God's love. Through lessons, drills, and fun competition, kids who might not otherwise have a chance to attend a day camp are treated like champions. It's a unique opportunity for youth of all ages and abilities to learn from seasoned college players and former professional athletes.   

ANGEL TREE CAMPING—DISCOVERING GOD'S LOVE IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS

Every year, scholarships provide a way for thousands of Angel Tree children to go to Christian summer camps, where they have the opportunity to have fun, fellowship with their peers, build relationships with caring camp counselors, and experience the love of God in the great outdoors. At camp many children will make a first-time decision to trust in Jesus Christ or deepen their commitment to Him. 

"Throughout the year ahead, I hope to share even more stories of lives changed through all of these Angel Tree programs," says James. "Thank you, once again, for your part in this. I'm so proud to stand with you supporting these special kids."