Project Angel Tree distributing gifts Saturday morning

Debbie Ross, coordinator for this year’s Angel Tree Project, said it’s been a great success.

“Distribution is on Saturday morning,” she said.  “While the need for the assistance seemed great at the start, the generosity of the community is what has shone through.  Ponca City has provided Christmas for approximately 300 children who might not have been able to celebrate.”

She said each time gifts were turned in, it brought warm smiles to the volunteers who were bagging, labeling and marking off the list.

“There are so many to thank for the success of this program, particularly as a last minute project, without the presence of the Salvation Army,” Ross said. “The staff of TPI Staffing graciously accepted the gifts for distribution.  Once again, the Armory has provided the location for distribution.   Thanks to Glass Trucking for bringing the semi truck for the firemen to load for us.   They loaded and unloaded “Santa’s Sleigh” this year.”

Ross also thanked the many businesses who accepted the Angels and Trees to make it possible.

“Many corporate sponsors just adopted angels and shopped for Christmas.   Each gift was filled with thought,” she said. “Volunteers checked on the trees and made sure the angels were all adopted.”

Saturday morning is “show time” when the families will come to pick up the gifts, and prepare for Christmas, she said.

“The generosity has been overwhelming,” Ross said.  “Not only will it bring joy to the children, but hopefully relieve some stress from the parents.  Thank you Ponca City!