St. Mary Magdalene Church, a large roster of County volunteers, and The Children’s Foundation have come together to restore a Christmas sharing program for hundreds of local children.

In September, the Gazette reported the beloved Angel Tree program, which ensured all children enjoyed a good Christmas morning no matter what their family situation, would be modified by The Children’s Foundation to include only those under the auspices of the Hasting’s Children’s Aid Society. The intent was to stretch the program further through the region.

Since then, Picton councillor Phil St. Jean has met with the Picton Recreation Committee’s Julie Miller, Jennifer Ginger of the Picton Giant Tiger, and TCF Executive Director Melanie Cressman, to ensure the program operates for local children both inside and outside the care of the Children’s Aid Society.

St. Mary Magdalene church will house the Angel Tree office and will open for program intakes, donations and volunteers on Nov. 21. Picton Councillor Phil St. Jean said a groundswell of support to see the program continue materialized immediately after its cancellation was announced last month.

“There has been no shortage of people stepping up and wanting to get involved,” said Councillor St. Jean. “A good number of Angel Tree volunteers and those involved with the program before have reached out, and we are trying to pull that all that together. Between the former volunteers, newcomers, and the St. Mary Magdalene parishioners, the outpouring has been incredible. Caring people in our community want to see this program flourish.”

In 2022, the Angel Tree program supported 156 local families and handed out Christmas gifts to 352 children.

In past years, TCF has served the Angel Tree program in a governance role and was able to issue tax receipts. That administrative support will continue this year.

“Ms. Cressman and The Children’s Foundation are firmly behind this initiative. Right now, the intent is to maintain the program as it has existed in the past. They are with us 100 per cent.”

Ms. Cressman confirmed discussions were ongoing with TCF and potential volunteers.

“It’s my understanding Councillor St. Jean is working to establish a volunteer roster to take over the administration of the program from Sue Rose and her team,” Ms. Cressman said in a email sent to the Gazette earlier this month. “The Children’s Foundation is happy to support the program in the same capacity as we always have.”

Office hours at St. Mary Magdalene will be Tuesdays to Fridays 12-5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until delivery day Dec. 20.

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