Douglas Chamber Angel Tree Project Benefits Over 100 Kids

Submitted article

The Douglas County Chamber’s Young Professionals Connection (YPC) completed its annual Angel Tree Project by helping more than 100 needy children and multiple families in Douglas County last week.

Gifts were delivered last week to Youth Villages and S.H.A.R.E. House just in time for the holidays.

The Chamber Angel Tree Project began in 2011 and over the past three years has provided for over 700 children and their families in Douglas County.

Local businesses and members of the community came out in droves to support this year’s project, which consisted of the largest donation to date. Over the past two months, YPC members attending networking events, solicited help on Facebook, and even shopped to help make this a Christmas that the children and
families at Youth Villages and S.H.A.R.E. House would never forget.

YPC Chair and DADC Project Manager, Breezy Straton, commented on the success of the project: “It is humbling to have such an enormous support from the community and Chamber members this year to make the contribution to these two organizations so generous. Both organizations are in great need, and as YPC Chair, I am thrilled to be able to have our members make a difference in such a large way.”

In addition to each “angel” receiving a bag full of items from their wish list, other donations were made that will be added to their gifts.

S.H.A.R.E. House received items they need on an ongoing basis, such as personal care items, baby items and items for the shelter.

Harvester Christian Academy donated bibles for each child, local restaurants donated coupons for each family at S.H.A.R.E. House, and businesses and individuals contributed over $1,500 in cash donations, which were used to shop for additional items needed at both facilities.

“It brings me to tears to see all of the love in this room, “commented Katrina Word from Youth Villages upon seeing the gifts for their residents. “These children come to us with nothing and to know that they will leave someday with something special warms my heart and soul. Youth Villages is eternally grateful to the Chamber and its members for giving back to the community this holiday season.”

Both S.H.A.R.E. House and Youth Villages have an ongoing need for clothing and other items. For more information on how you can give back to either of these groups, please contact the Chamber at 770-942-5022.