Library lights up Angel Tree
The Angel Tree, sponsored by The Friends of the Library and The Salvation Army is celebrating its 10th anniversary at Saddleback College by giving to children less fortunate this Christmas.
The decorative tree in the library, garnished with tinsel and bright ornaments, holdscards adorned with the names of young children, also known as little angels, with a Christmas gift wish of theirs for those who desire to bless them this holiday season.
“We gather gifts for children in South Orange County,” said librarian Ana Maria Cobos. “The tree has hanging angels on cards and people bring back the gift with the card.”
The children whose names are written on the cards range from infants to teens that are living in foster homes or in shelters around Orange County.
Gift wishes vary from toys and teddy bears to books and clothes.
“There is no suggested amount. It’s depending on what is affordable for you,” Cobos said. “You choose the card and you have a lot of choices. It could be as little as $10 and go up to $50.”
Alexandra Lopez, 18, nursing, has made the Angel Tree a Christmas tradition by helping out every Christmas at Saddleback Church and Saddleback.
“I do it every year from Saddleback Church,” Lopez said. “My family usually adopts a family every year there, but I thought I would do this too.”
Lopez has been sure to give an angel every year because giving is something she has made a holiday priority.
“I’ve always liked giving, so my boyfriend and I are going to adopt a boy and a girl from the angel tree,” Lopez said. “It’s a part of the holidays and is something that I do every year.”
As far as the turnout goes, Cobos assures that the Angel Tree program is always a fruitful event.
“My office is used as a storage and there is already a bunch of things there,” Cobos said. “There is always a very good response.”
The ideal deadline for this event is Dec. 8 but will extend until finals week for last minute shoppers.
During the week of Dec. 3-7, Doris Anderson, FOL Secretary, will pick up the gifts and distribute them to the children.
As for the angels that have been left on the tree after deadline, they will still have a home, and their Christmas wish be fulfilled.”[Anderson] picks them up,” Cobos said. “She takes them with her.”
Cobos urges Saddleback students and faculty to become involved in this project by giving from the heart to someone in need this holiday.
“You’re helping out local children and it’s such an easy thing to do,” Cobos said. “Just come in the library, pick up a card, and make a difference in someone’s life.”