Ruth Thomas
Secret Santa Chairperson

Angels Among Us
By Ruth Thomas

We often tell people that they are angels. I just did not know how true that statement was until recently. In Psalms 91:11 it says “…And He shall give His angels charge over thee to keep thee in all thy ways.” That’s why I believe there are heavenly angels as well as earthly angels. One day last year while I was looking for some important papers I needed, I found an old Angel Wings newsletter that was about 5 or 6 years old. I happened to see Deborah Smith shortly after that and mentioned this to her and expressed a desire to help with the 2007 Secret Santa Project by adopting a family.




Secret Santa Holiday Bazaar 2008

Help came from everywhere. It was then I knew that this is what I was meant to do. Many people and their donations of time, money, clothes and toys supported this experience. But it was the help I got from four unique angels-- Regina Barnett, Karen Bowens, Charlotte Bracey and Toni Lewis-- that made it possible for us to assist several families last year. Reverend Deborah Smith and the Board of Directors of Angels Wings Ministries were so inspired by our group’s assistance that they asked me to head the Secret Santa Project. And so it is with great pleasure after that experience that I accepted the opportunity to head the Secret Santa Committee as its chairperson.

Since January of 2008 we have planned and worked to make this the greatest year yet. This is the 13th Christmas of the Secret Santa Committee, which was under way long before the creation of Angel Wings Ministries in 2000. The Secret Santa Committee has worked hard this year and successfully sponsored our first Annual Crab Feast Friday, August 1st. Over two hundred people supported this event --fellowshipping together to help raise over $3,500 for about 100 children and their families.

We want to THANK EACH OF YOU WHO SUPPORTED US AND HELPED TO BENEFIT THE SECRET SANTA PROJECT 2008. Special thanks go to ALL THE VOLUNTEERS who donated their valuable time, gifts and services. We want to also thank those who attended. You made this affair a tremendous success. Great Job Angel Wings Members!!!

WE WANT YOU TO BE AN ANGEL AND DONATE OR ADOPT A CHILD FOR CHRISTMAS. We look forward to your support this year. When you make someone else happy, you sow a seed of joy and more of God’s many blessings into your own life.

SECRET SANTA PROJECT

The Secret Santa Project, a division of Angel Wings Ministry to children, provides age appropriate toys, games, books, puzzles and in some cases jackets, coats, underclothes, socks, gloves and hats at Christmas time for families who are experiencing economic difficulties.

Individuals or groups select a child from our list of identified children in need. The child does not know the donor and the donor will not know the child. The donor will have the opportunity to purchase and wrap a few items for the child or family they select.

This enables the parents or guardians to concentrate on paying their household bills (especially their rent/mortgage, gas and electric, or other utility bills during the winter months).

WE HELP FAMILIES.....

The Johnson Family

The Lansing Family

Over the years, we have been fortunate enough to be able to pool resources together from various providers both private and corporate, to help economically disadvantaged families enjoy their Christmas holiday. Each year we are met with greater challenges and requests that number in the hundreds. Angel Wings strives to answer when the call goes forth for assistance.

The Secret Santa Project selects children who have been personally recommended to the selection committee. In many situations the person who recommends the child(ren) volunteers to make delivery. There will be a pick up date and location identified before Christmas. In hardship cases, deliveries will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Secret Santa Eligibility:

· Grandparents who are raising other people’s children.

· Single parents, families-Under employed, unemployed, persons with disabilities, person on public assistance (not receiving donations from other programs or projects).

· Two parent families-Undergoing unforeseen family emergency, such as catastrophic illness affecting someone in the immediate family.

· Ages Served-Children, infant-18 years of age, these children must attend school regularly if they are of school age.

· Depending on the circumstances, children/families are generally rotated after 2-3 years. It is our policy that all children in a family receive gifts if selected and fit the criteria.

If you wish to donate to Secret Santa to help families that are less fortunate than you, click the button below to donate via Paypal.
(Paypal account not required to make donations online.)