Two Yule charities launch ‘09 effort

Two local charitable efforts are under way to help provide Christmas gifts for local children.

The two efforts, Christmas Outreach and Angel Tree, are coordinating their lists so that every child will be served only once. Those who have signed up for one of the programs have no need to sign up for the other, organizers have said. Angel Tree

The Angel Tree project, which was founded by Cora Neville and has been operated by Pastor Pam Caudill's New Directions Youth Ministry for the past four years, began its 2009 campaign in September with the opening of registrations. So far, 135 children are signed up to receive gifts and needed items this year.

"What we're doing this year, we're going to serve any age children and teenagers," said Caudill. "The Christmas Outreach Program is serving more of the school-aged children, so we're able to serve more of the teenagers. We're serving more of the whole family like Cora used to do. We have some as old as 16."

While Christmas Outreach works through the school system, Angel Tree works through registration referrals and direct contacts.