A heartwarming tradition that brings the season of giving to life. An angel tree is a way to give back to the community. The tree has ornaments with different lists on them that show what the kids in need are interested in, what size they wear, their name and age, and different hobbies they have.
Maria Angelicchio participated this year alongside her family for the angel tree. Her mother works at Innomodics which has a list of kids’ names and ages with their wishes. Maria likes to look at the kids’ likes and chooses clothes or gifts based on that. She also picks based on their age. The ones she chose were on the younger side from eight to twelve. Most of the list was cloths and some random toys.
“It feels really good knowing that another child can have the same thing that I had growing up,” says Maria. Maria wants to help out anyway she can for the kids’ Christmas to feel special. She says how she is inspired by her mom because her mother was doing angel trees since before Maria was born.
“They give you more information about the kids,” says Maria. The children’s name is on the card now with a more detailed list of what they need. She talks about how the more detailed the list is the easier it is to shop for them. Maria emphasizes how rewarding the feeling is at the end. She says she gets very excited to know that she is going to make a kid smile for the holidays.
Katelyn Herbert also participated in doing an angel tree this year. Katelyn talks about how being fortunate has given her a perspective of life not a lot of people have. “Being able to give a less fortunate kid a Christmas even one third of what I get makes me so happy and fulfilled,” said Katelyn.
She likes to stick to their list and get a little inspiration from her child self. Katelyn will go to Target or Walmart to do the shopping since they are directed towards all ages and have a lot for everyone. She likes to go shopping with her parents and siblings. Wrapping the gifts together knowing everyone is doing something good is her favorite part.
Katelyn talks about how emotional you can get from this. “You need to look past the sadness and realize the happiness you’re bringing to that child,” said Katelyn. This grows Katelyn more and more as a person every year.
She loves being able to give a little kid the Santa magic she had when she was younger. “The happiness you bring to a child is so beautiful. It’s what I really think the holidays are all about,” said Katelyn. By giving a child that joy on Christmas is what makes Katelyn feel that holiday spirit.
Sammy Pedicone’s dad works at Latrobe Steel where they have angel trees for their employees and are encouraged to pick one. Her family usually tries to pick one around her brother’s age so they have a better idea of what to pick out.
One year Sammy even got to help pass out the gifts to the kids. She got to bond with many of them and still keeps in touch with one till this day. “Think about what you would want if you were them,” said Sammy. She really puts thought into the gifts she’s choosing so it’s specifically for that kid’s interest. Sammy loves knowing that she can do something that will benefit other kids.
It’s so important to make children feel that holiday magic. It helps everyone feel the warmth and generosity of the season. This angel tree program continues to grow each year with more volunteers to help out.