Because of the generosity of people of this church 31 prisoner’s families were recipients of Christmas love. From the time we received Angels’ names until the outreach was completed members of this congregation volunteered to share their time whether it was calling caregivers to learn of wishes, sponsoring angels, baking cookies, donating a turkey, addressing invitations and cards, organizing the wrapping party, wrapping gifts, cooking, planning crafts, helping at the party, transporting mountains of gifts or delivering gifts. Many people volunteered before they were asked – what a gift!

The Angel Tree party was held on December 10th at First and Central Presbyterian Church in Wilmington. The families had an opportunity to partake of a hot turkey dinner, socialize, make crafts, enact the Christmas story, celebrate Jesus’ birth and take home wonderful Christmas gifts and goodies to eat. This year, because of our members’ generosity the families each received a $25.00 gift card to Acme and they were so grateful. Several families were experiencing illness but caregivers came to pick up gifts at which time we were able to send them home with dinners. Two families expressed household need and these wishes were able to be fulfilled also.

Working with this outreach is a wonderful lesson in faith because no matter what challenges arose we knew God would meet them through the members of this congregation.