December 04, 2007 09:12 am
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From Staff Reports
Phase I of this year's Tommy's Angel Tree ended Saturday with the completion of sign ups, bringing to about 460 the number of angels registered for this year's community gift-giving project.
Parents wishing to sign their children age 12 and under were required to provide proof of income, proof of residence, a birth certificate for each child and the child's Social Security number.
Mineral Wells Volunteer Fire Department sponsors the project. Fire Chief Steve Perdue said the number of registered underprivileged children this year is down from previous years.
ÒThe downturn is a good sign - a sign that the Mineral Wells-area economy is on the upturn,Ó Perdue said. ÒHowever, the need for each of those 460 children is real and their Christmas will be brighter because of the generosity of the citizens of Mineral Wells through their support of Angel Tree.Ó
Angels are on trees at Wal-Mart, Dollar General downtown, Brazos Factory Outlet, First State Bank and CitiBank.
ÒIt is the hope of the Angel Tree guardians that each of these angels will find a home and that gifts for these angels will be purchased and either left at the store of purchase or brought to Mineral Wells Fire Station No. 1 before Dec. 10,Ó said Perdue. ÒThis way they can be wrapped and delivered early on Dec. 15.Ó
Perdue said the goal is to provide each angel with the toy of their choice, a suit of clothes and a pair of shoes at a minimum. For those Angels who do not receive each of those items, Angel Tree guardians will purchase the needed items to reach that goal. Funds to support this project may be mailed to Tommy's Angel Tree, P.O. Box 832, Mineral Wells, TX 76068.
Other projects are on going to assist Angel Tree. A Diamond Miss Beauty Contest was conducted Saturday with proceeds going to Angel Tree. Radio Station 92.1-FM in connection with Century 21 Properties Unlimited is hosting a ÒStuff the BusÓ at the Century 21 location this Friday. Smitty's Cycles is sponsoring a motorcycle ride this Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. from the cycle shop on U.S. Highway 180 East. Many groups are hosting Christmas parties with gifts going to Angel Tree.
Wrapping parties will be announced as gifts begin to come in, Perdue said, adding those times and dates will be announced in the local media.
He added the community is invited to come out on Saturday, Dec. 15, at 8 a.m. to deliver gifts. Meet at the Old Goodyear Building at 300 S. Oak Ave. to Òfind out the true meaning of Christmas,Ó he said. ÒMineral Wells is a caring community and that caring shows through in so many ways. We invite you to be a part of this community project.Ó
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Photos
TommyÕs Angel Tree guardians Barry Gill, left, and Rev. William Eudy, second from left, accept a donation to the annual Christmas project from Woodmen of the World Lodge 703, presented by David Tolbert, Bettie Owen and Loraine Baldwin.
Angel Tree Toy Drive - Century 21 Properties Unlimited, 100 S.E. 13th Ave., is hosting a collection site for toys for Tommy's Angel Tree this Friday from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. This is a time for those who cannot shop with a name from one of the Angel Trees to come by and drop off an unwrapped toy for a child who would, without your help, not have a very happy Christmas.ÊDonations of money are also welcome if shopping is not possible.ÊThere are many expenses involved such as wrapping supplies and then there are always last minute toys and clothes. TheÊagentsÊat Century 21 are ready to do the Ôelf workÕ and will have cider and cookies for all.ÊPictured from left are Mattie Maxwell, Garry Weatherford, Warren Pruitt, Clay Hawkins, Carol Hopkins, Carolyn Hogg, and Broker Matt Butcher. Kneeling are Tania McDaniels, Lyn Butcher and Helen Arneson.ÊNot pictured is Sabrina Littlepage. Radio Station Country Legends 72.1-FM will be hosting a remote radio show in the parking lot at that time and we are going to Stuff the Bus with toys and clothes for the Kids.