YEA Angel Tree
The Youth Empowerment Association started their very first Angel Tree in 2004. The first year the Angel Tree had around 45 children, the second year around 55, and this year the YEA Angel Tree helped over 380 children with Christmas presents. This was a wonderful community event.
The YEA Angel tree was located in front of Zales Jewelry store at the White Sands Mall in Alamogordo, NM. Every child that was on the Angel tree was identified by first name only, clothing size and shoe size. Toys were very much appreciated also.
Every child that came through the YEA Angel tree received about 5 gifts each. This Angel tree allowed us to work with parents only. The parents were given the gifts and it was left up to them to pass them out to their children. I felt this was a very important piece to this project.
Every child has the right to be surprised at Christmas time; whether the gifts came from Santa, grandparents or the parents themselves. With the help from our community, these children were able to have that. I believe this is why this project was such a success.
We are already working towards OUR 2008 YEA Angel tree. OUR goal will be to provide at least 400 children with Christmas gifts this year.
If anyone has any questions on the YEA Angel tree (to either start an Angel tree project in your community or donating to our project) or about the Youth Empowerment Association, please contact Denise Syling, YEA Coordinator, 575-437-2460, Alamogordo, NM 88310.