Cumberland County Habitat for Humanity’s Angel Tree has ten families left this year requesting donations for the program.
Community Engagement Coordinator Ashley Brink said the program offers a way to give back to the community. Brink said when there are families left on the tree each year, someone always steps in and takes care of those people in need. Brink said generous people fill the needs of the families before the end of the season, hoping this season will be the same.
“It’s more blessed to give than to receive,” Brink said. “So we just want our families to know that they are cared for and we feel the obligation to step up and help when the help is needed.”
Brink said participants in the program retrieve a house ornament from the Habitat office tree, as staff take the tag attached to the ornament with all the gifting information. The tag has a questionnaire on it, which is then given to a staff member. Brink said participants will shop for requested materials for a family and bring items back to the office by the fourth Monday of the month, wrapped and ready to be gifted to the family.
“Every gift, it becomes a reminder to a child that they are seen, cared for, and that they are part of a community that believes in them,” Bring said. “So it’s extremely impactful, we believe.”
Brink said participants can come to the Crossville office or call to donate. Brink said staff members can choose a family for those gifting or allow participants to choose who they would like to shop for.
Brink said child gifts should be valued at $25, selected from a list of requested items. Brink said food gift cards should be from local markets and total $25.
“Whether it’s a toy or a food card, every gift helps meet a real need,” Brink said.