PRESTON – This is the time of year when people generally want to help others in need. It’s the giving spirit of Christmas.
Two women in Franklin County are continuing a 17-year long tradition of helping provide for families in need at Christmas. Robin Berrett and Hidie Nye have been collecting money and gifts for children in Franklin County by setting up Angel Trees.
After all the years they have been operating the Angel Tree program in Preston they have got it down to a well-organized process.
Many Angel Trees are backed by civic or service organizations, but not in Preston.
This privately operated Angel Tree program will benefit 38 families this year. At one time it was a family affair with children and grandchildren all helping with collecting, organizing, and bagging the gifts. They would also help deliver the gifts.
“All our kids have moved on now, but we might have a grandchild help, but most of the time it’s just us and our much-needed volunteers,” Barrett said. “The applications list three wants and three needs for each child.”
Barrett and Nye get the application and set up the trees with tags, listing ages and suggested gifts. Then they shop for the things that aren’t donated and then distribute the goods.
“We aways have had good luck with people donating the gifts, but there is always some stuff we need to shop for,” Barrett said. “Every little kid deserves to feel the magic of Christmas.”
The applications are collected at Sun Sage Floral located at 16 S. First West in Preston across the street from Franklin County High School.
This year the trees at True Value Hardware inside of Stokes Market, Big Jakes, and West Side High School.
Participants select an angel with the gender, age and gift and turn it in.
The Angel Tree organizers have never received any money for their efforts but there are rewards when they see the smiles on the faces of those they help.
“Not only the smiles,” she says, “but the little mamas that come in and get their big black garbage sack full of stuff, some of them just sit there and cry.”
Berrett says first on the list for most families is clothing, such as coats, boots, scarves, or hats. Then they add a toy or two.
“The people are so grateful for the help,” she said. “That’s what keeps us doing this.”
The gift suggestions are mounted on laminated pink and blue angel cutouts and hung on a tree.
The families who receive help remain anonymous. When the gift-giver takes an angel off the tree they only see a number and the items a child needs.
Most of the angels are all gone before Christmas.
Volunteers are needed to help sort through the gifts. If you would like to help or donate, call or text Berrett at (208) 760-0863 or Nye at (208) 220-9950.