Staff
The Kenora-Rainy River Districts Child and Family Services’ annual “Adopt an Angel” campaign is now underway, with trees up at Walmart, The Bargain Shop, and Taggs Source for Sports here as well as Tompkins Hardware in Emo.
Laura Morrish, who is doing a school placement at the organization, noted the “Adopt an Angel” program helps children in need by reaching out to the community to purchase Christmas gifts for a child (or children) who likely would not receive any otherwise.
“It helps children from low-income families, as well as foster children and other children receiving help through Kenora-Rainy River Districts Child and Family Services, to get gifts at Christmas,” she noted.
Morrish said the “Adopt an Angel” program has been running here for 13 years and helps roughly 150 children each year.
“This year we have just over 150 angels,” she noted, adding the program reaches families from Rainy River to Atikokan.
In order to donate to “Adopt an Angel,” people are urged to visit one of the trees located at one of the four participating stores.
They then can select an angel off the tree, each of which includes a name, age, and gift suggestions for a child in need.
“Then they can shop for the child in the same store their angel is located,” Morrish explained, stressing great care is taken to match the suggested gift items to the store that would carry them.
“Use the gift suggestions provided as guidelines for what to get the child for Christmas,” she said.
Morrish added people are requested to not take the angel out of the store since they want to ensure all the children receive a gift.
She said they ask that the gifts be about $20-$50 in value.
When purchasing the items, the cashier will put the gift in a bag and tie the angel to the top.
Morrish then will pick up the gifts from each store and distribute them to each home.
“The program has always been very successful in the past,” said Morrish, noting the community always is so giving at Christmas.
She added she feels the “Adopt an Angel” program is a great way for families and children to learn about giving.
Other groups and organizations around town often help out, as well.
“We’re thrilled to have so much support,” Morrish enthused, thanking the stores that participate in the campaign.
Those who would like to give, but don’t want to purchase gifts, are welcome to drop off a monetary donation at the Child and Family Services’ reception desk.
At the end of the campaign, if there are angels that haven’t been chosen off the tree, these monetary donations will be used to purchase or supplement gifts.
For more information, call Morrish at 274-7787.
