PRISON FELLOWSHIP BLOG: Angel Tree Stories

After Shay’s first year at camp, she couldn’t wait to tell her mom the stories of fun and fellowship. The best part wasn’t horseback riding or laser tag—it was meeting people who shared her challenges and reminded her she wasn’t alone.

Prison Fellowship’s Emily Andrews accompanied her church’s Angel Tree team to deliver gifts around Northern Virginia. This story captures the memory of what they gave—and what they unexpectedly received—on their journey to offer joy on strangers’ doorsteps.

Vaughan was in junior high when he discovered a family secret that would change his life. Vaughan faced an uncertain future, but Angel Tree Camping stepped in on time. He experienced God’s love in the great outdoors—and found a path to a bright, hopeful future.

Four-year-old Kassey was confused when her father went to prison. But with the help of Angel Tree, she came to understand that good things can come from bad situations.

Ruby Payne couldn’t have expected what happened two days before last December’s Angel Tree® event. But together, they rose above the challenges to share hope and grace.

Trisha’s childhood was chaotic, thanks to her dad’s drug use and incarceration. Angel Tree delivered hope that continues to shine brighter in her life.

What’s the impact of one week away at summer camp? Just ask Nina. She shares how Angel Tree Camping molded her from a timid young girl into the strong leader she is today.

  This month, the LA Rams hosted Angel Tree kids at an Angel Tree Sports Clinic at their practice facility. Through lessons, drills, and fun competition, kids who might not otherwise have a chance to attend a day camp were treated like champions by their local heroes.

When Cassie was incarcerated for four years, her children were just 4 years and 11 months old. Knowing their pain from experiencing her own father’s incarceration made it almost too much for Cassie to bear. But she made the most of their time apart. Now she’s reunited with her children and making up for lost time.

From an abusive childhood to a life in and out of prison. Serena Steenholdt felt like her life was spiraling out of control until she found God and reconnected with her children... “God is so much bigger than I ever thought.”