SIDNEY — There’s been a little “POWER” added to the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree in Shelby County.
The Angel Tree is a program that started in Lynchburg, Virginia, in 1979. It involves the community in a direct way allowing them to become personally involved by sharing with those less fortunate in their community. The program provides gifts of new clothing, shoes and toys to children who otherwise might not have anything for Christmas.
Children who are recipients of Angel Tree gifts are from families who have applied for Christmas assistance through the Salvation Army. During the application process, the clothing sizes and special needs of the children are determined and written on the application and are then transferred to paper “angels” along with the child’s first name, age and gender.
The “angels” contain a code number that corresponds to the client’s application number. The angels are then taken to area shopping places where they are selected by concerned shoppers who then purchase any or all of the items listed. After purchasing these items, the gifts are returned to the Angel Tree.
In Shelby County, many children were not getting the clothing and shoes they needed for winter. In families where three children needed shoes, there would only be enough shoes for two, leaving one of the children without. This was brought to the attention of the POWER Advisory Committee, and addressed. The committee decided to appropriate $1,000 to Angel Tree for the specific use of purchasing new clothes and shoes for Angel Tree children.
“This is a perfect example of how POWER is providing support in our community. The goal is to fulfill critical needs in our community and keep little children warm during the winter. This is a great way to demonstrate our mission,” said Shelly Ginter, POWER advisory chair.
POWER is a women’s initiative group for the Shelby County United Way. The volunteer-driven initiative’s mission is to build a powerful force of women philanthropists who develop financial resources, unite in service, and are advocates for programs and initiatives that benefit children and their families in Shelby County.
The group has spearheaded many projects, programs, sponsorships and donation drives in the community since its inception in 2013. It has strengthened and supported children and families in the community. The initiative has fun social events, fundraisers, volunteer opportunities and activities every month and encourages any ladies who work or reside in Shelby County to attend.
A minimum contribution of $50 per year provides eligibility as a POWER member. Anyone interested in membership may contact the Shelby County United Way at 937-492-2101 or by email at [email protected]. Additional information on POWER, past newsletters and the impact they are having in the community can be found on United Way website, www.shelbycounitedway.org.
