Dear Editor,
Center for Human Services’ Oakdale Family Resource and Counseling Center would like to thank the members of the community and local businesses for making this year’s Christmas Angel Giving Tree a huge success.
To all who have participated in this or other local giving programs this year: This season has been particularly tough on many families we serve. We hear the stories of so many whose burdens are heavy throughout the year. Your giving has made an incredible difference in the lives of these families. Whether the gifts come from the Angel Tree or other toy drives and gatherings, we find that the recipients are always overwhelmed with your thoughtfulness. There were often tears of joy as the families we serve commented on how good it feels to know they will have something for their children to open at Christmas.
Even in tough economic times, citizens, visitors, and local businesses worked together to ensure that all 67 angels were adopted. Oakdale High School’s Toy Drive and Fair Oaks Elementary Shoe Box Gift Collection helped to collect toys for Christmas and donated them to CHS’ Oakdale Family Resource and Counseling Center to ensure all Angels would have something for Christmas. The River Community Church adopted three families and Hope for the Heart also donated items to give to families. We were also able to give three families holiday meals this year thanks to those who gave a monetary donation.
Lisa Destro, Angel Tree coordinator, said there were concerns that the 67 angel tags would not all be taken, especially with the financial hardships some people were faced with this year. But in typical Oakdale fashion, the community rose to the occasion.
Center for Human Services’ Oakdale Family Resource and Counseling Center is equally grateful for Little Luvbugz, Dan’s Smoke Pit, Michelle’s Corner Café, and Tags Consignment for participating as host sites for the Christmas Angel Giving Tree program.
We wish you all many blessings during this winter season. As you celebrate your own family, please know that you have given others a reason to be thankful.
Best Wishes,
Center for Human Services’
Oakdale Family Resource
and Counseling Center Staff