Angel Tree to serve 125 children; donations needed

Those interested in participating in the annual Angel Tree project by purchasing items for less fortunate children in the area are asked to select an 'angel' at Food Lion, Hardee's or Lowes Foods in Sparta. A total of 125 children in the county from birth to age 12 have been selected to receive gifts through the annual Angel Tree project this year, according to Pastor Pamela Caudill with New Directions Youth Ministries, who also serves as the vice president for Cora's Charities.

After selecting an 'angel,' individuals are asked to purchase items on the child's wish list and deliver the gifts to the Emerson Black building at Alleghany Fairgrounds between the hours of 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Dec. 11 through 15. Participants are reminded it is not necessary to purchase every item on their selected child's wish list. Gifts will be distributed on Dec. 16 in the Emerson Black building between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Caudill stated if individuals wish to deliver the gifts prior to Dec. 11, they may do so by contacting her at 372-8098 or 704-437-9886.

From there, she or one of her immediate family members will meet them at the current location of New Direction Youth Ministries just off Glade Valley Road, which is also the former location of New Covenant Church.

Those interested in purchasing individual gifts for children may do so and are asked to place them in gift boxes located at Dollar General in the Trojan Village Shopping Center. Individual gifts may also be taken to Alleghany Memorial Hospital and given to the receptionist in the front lobby. From there, the gifts will be placed in a designated location in the hospital.

Caudill stated area businesses and organizations will soon be receiving requests in the mail asking for gift or monetary donations for the project. She asks any individual who is interested in learning more about the project or making financial or gift donations contact her at either at the aforementioned phone numbers.

The Angel Tree project that has, since its inception, been under the direction of Cora Neville, director of Cora's Charities Inc. will be passed to Caudill and New Directions Youth Ministries. Although the change will be taking place, Neville stated she will maintain a supportive role in the project that has been serving the children of Alleghany County for many years. Caudill refers to Neville as the "heart of the Angel Tree project."

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