‘Tis the season for thinking about those struggling in our community in advance of Christmas and a number of individuals and groups have heard the call.

The Angel Tree campaign office at Benson Hall has been a heavily travelled location in the past few days as presents and donations have steadily flowed in advance to next week’s delivery period.

This week, a number of regular Angel Tree campaign supporters have dropped off scores of wrapped gifts destined for homes in Prince Edward County in time for Dec. 25.

PECI has once again been instrumental in supporting a large number of families and students selected 26 Angels off the tree in 2017.

“They are always one of our biggest supporters and it shows how much community spirit is at our secondary school,” campaign organizer Sue Rose said. “Even the cafeteria staff got in on the act this year.”

The Kinette Club of Picton also made their annual drop off this week and Rose said the services groups are another great supporter of the program.
“I know we can alway count on them,” she added.

Finally, it wasn’t just gifts being dropped off at the Angel Tree office.

Dan Cole of Cole Contracting in Milford organized a benefit dance in support of the Angel campaign late last month and presented the proceeds- $830 to fund Christmas present purchases for Angels that don’t get selected from the tree.

“”We’re thrilled when someone takes up the cause like Dan did and we really appreciate all he did for us this year,” Rose said. “The younger angels tend to fly off the tree as fast as we can put them up but the older ones (12-15 years of age) tend to hang around for a while. These types of donations make sure the older brothers and sisters aren’t left out Christmas morning.”