Wednesday, November 26, 2003
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Wednesday, November 26, 2003 |
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Angel Tree represents children’s hopes The hopes of 100 Georgia children in desperate need of help and love during the holiday season are hanging by a thread and only immediate assistance by the good citizens of our state can help. KidsPeace, a 121-year-old crisis charity that helps more than 100 foster children in Georgia, has teamed up with the Ruby Tuesday restaurant in Fayetteville to create an Angel Tree, a special Christmas tree on which hang not shiny ornaments, but 100 paper angels on slender threads, each listing three hopes and wishes from a foster child who cannot be with his or her real family during the holidays. These are children who need more just than a loving home. They have suffered through terrible traumas and crises that have led to such worrisome threats as severe depression and even suicidal wishes, requiring careful, special care. Most of the children, living primarily in the Fayetteville, Columbus and Griffin areas, have wishes that any girl or boy might have (a toy truck, a baby doll, a bike), as well as heartbreaking requests unlikely to be fulfilled by any generous soul among us: “I wish I could see my family again.” “Children need love and little tokens of affection all year round,” said KidsPeace Family Resource Specialist Nicole Barone, who spearheaded the Angel Tree effort, “but the holidays can be especially hard for these kids. We need people to step in and show these children that someone cares. These children’s hopes are hanging figuratively as well as literally by a thread, and they need to know someone is thinking of them.” “We’re just happy we can do something in our own small way to bring a smile or two back to the faces of kids who may not have had much to smile about in a while,” said Fayetteville Ruby Tuesday General Manager Richard Clarke. “This is about the best Christmas present anyone can give this year and I know the good people of Georgia will consider helping a child in need. Especially these kids.” The paper angels were made and decorated by the KidsPeace children. Each angel, representing a child, will include the little boy or girl’s age, clothing sizes, favorite colors and, most important, three wishes. Donors are encouraged to pick an angel from the tree, sponsor that child, and provide a gift (unwrapped, please) to the restaurant before Dec. 15. The Angel Tree will stay up until Dec. 15. For those who cannot come to the restaurant or who wish to support the children in a different way, donations can be made by visiting www.kidspeace.org or calling toll-free 1-800-25-PEACE, ext. 7906. Just specify the program you’re interested in supporting and make a child’s life a little brighter. The Angel Tree can be visited at Ruby Tuesday, 1404 Ga. Highway 85 North in Fayetteville. |
