Christmas Wishes Mission Project Begins
First Presbyterian Church of Newton Middle School Youth are sponsoring the Catawba County Social Services' Christmas Wishes program (formerly known as Angel Tree). Tree with gift tags and information on this project are located in the lower rear entrance of FPC Newton. Their goal is to provide gifts for 26 children.
Christmas Wishes program was established many years ago in partnership with individuals in the community so that the children in the legal custody of Catawba County Social Services have an opportunity to request gifts for the holiday season. Over the years, the "Christmas Wishes" program and the great citizens of Catawba County have been able to fulfill the dreams of many of our children. This is a wonderful resource for children who remain in foster care through the Christmas holiday season.
How our Christmas Wishes program works:
There are usually 200+ children in Catawba County Social Services custody at any given time. The goal of Christmas Wishes is to supplement any holiday gifts children in foster care may receive. In an effort to make sure each child's wishes are fulfilled, each child has three tags on different "angel trees" throughout the county. We do this to be sure that each child has the opportunity to receive at least some of their wishes. Due to the generosity of Christmas Wishes supporters, sometimes one child may receive more than others, so it is necessary to make adjustments to the gifts to assure equality and fairness to all children. In addition, between the time Christmas Wishes planning begins and the gifts are distributed, more children may have entered foster care; therefore we have included some extra tags to plan for these children. After all the children in foster care receive their gifts, extras may be distributed to children who are not in foster care but are being served through other social services programs, and also do not have Christmas resources.
Important Things to Remember
We request that Christmas Wishes gifts be new. $30 limit.
Please do not wrap the gifts. It is necessary for us to see all gifts to be sure that all 200+ children receive appropriate gifts, and ensure the equality and fairness of the gifts. The gifts can be placed in gift bags.
Very important that you attach the original Christmas Wishes tag to the corresponding gift.
For health and safety reasons, please do not include candy or food in the gifts.
Register and pick a gift tag from the Christmas Wishes Tree located at the lower rear church entrance.
Please bring gifts in a gift bag with tag to Suzanne’s office by Wednesday, December 6th.
Please make every effort to have all gifts ready at this time.
Thank you for being the “elves” to help make foster children’s Christmas wishes come true!
