Saturday, December 12, 1998

Ministry helps families of inmates

By LORETTA FULTON

Senior Staff Writer

The Angel Tree Ministry of Prison Fellowship is growing rapidly in Abilene as families of prisoners in the two local units are moving into the area.

Last year churches collected Christmas gifts for about 250 children of inmates, said Melanie Jones, who is in charge of a seven-county area for the national ministry based in Washington, D.C.

"This year we did 600," she said. "We've had an influx of children like you wouldn't believe."

Normally the trees are sponsored by churches only, but this year several retail stores also have trees. The local Christian Motorcycle Association is backing the ministry this year, in addition to assisting with the Marines' Toys for Tots drive, said Andrea Morris, coordinator.

This year 10 Abilene churches and three retail stores are sponsoring the trees. Each tree has cardboard angels on it bearing the name of a child, the age, and clothing size.

Each child will receive two clothing gifts and one toy from participants who "adopt" them. Most gifts will be delivered, but Sacred Heart and Holy Family Catholic churches will host a luncheon for the recipients, with Santa passing out the gifts.

"Each family has a big Christmas bag to take home with all the gifts," said Patrick Coon, a member of Holy Family.

The luncheon and party will begin at noon Dec. 19 at Sacred Heart. Photos will be taken and Christmas carols will be sung in the afternoon.

Coon said parishoners have responded well each year to sponsoring an Angel Tree.

"The members of the parishes really pitch in and sponsor the children," he said.

Aldersgate United Methodist Church is sponsoring a tree for the second year and members there are really into the Christmas spirit as well.

"People just really took to it," said Dendy Williams, who suggested the project last year.

Cheryl Leonard, who is in charge of the program at Aldersgate, said gifts are distributed on the Sunday before Christmas to families in Abilene and surrounding communities.

Aldersgate has a goal this year of 100 gifts for the children and expects to have no difficulty in meeting it, based on the success of last year's drive.

"It was great -- it was very successful," Leonard said.

The Angel Trees hosted by churches are for members of those churches, but others who wish to participate may pick up angel cards at one of the participating retail stores: Motorcyle Specialties, 1825 Butternut; RPM, 842 Treadaway; and Kent's Harley Davidson, 642 Walnut.

For more information or to assist, contact Morris at 692-9694.