The Fayette Citizen-News Page

Wednesday, December 4, 2002
Angel Tree helps students celebrate a merrier holiday

The Fayette County School System's Children at Risk in Education (CARE) program is sponsoring an angel tree to help make this holiday season a brighter one for some of its students.

About 80 angels adorn the tree that is located in building A of the LaFayette Educational Center in Fayetteville. The angels represent students from all grade levels and schools throughout the county.

Written on the angels are the wish lists and needs of a particular child. Needs range from traditional items like clothing, toys and food to the nontraditional such as eyeglasses, lunch money, dental care and after-school program tuition.

This marks the second consecutive year that the CARE program has sponsored an angel tree.

"While toys and clothes are important items for children, often times people tend to overlook the basic needs that are present. Through our angel tree we are attempting to meet as many different needs as possible," says Karen Spangler, school system social worker and coordinator of the CARE program.

CARE teams from each school submitted angels on behalf of students who have been identified as having particular needs.

All school system staff as well as community members are invited to sponsor an angel through this special holiday project. Angels can be sponsored individually or as a group.

To participate in the program, stop by the lobby of the Layette Educational Center from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. to select an angel from the tree and take it to receptionist Sandra Benise.

All gifts should be turned in to the LaFayette Educational Center by Dec. 10 so that they can be distributed before the holiday break.

Anyone needing additional information about the angel tree can contact Benise or Shonda Coulter at 770-460-3990.