Angel Tree Deadline Approaches In Newtown, Northampton

NEWTOWN, PA — Angels continue to take flight in Newtown and Northampton townships, making the holiday season a little brighter for the area's less fortunate children and their families.

Newtown Rotarian and Angel Tree project coordinator Paul Salavtore reports that angels will only be available through Friday, Dec. 13 at the Angel Trees inside the Newtown Post Office, the Free Library of Northampton and the Newtown Presbyterian Church.

"Gifts should be returned to the trees by Friday, Dec. 13," said Salvatore.

Participation in the Angel Tree project is easy, said Salvatore. Just visit one of the trees, select an angel from the tree, purchase the gift ideas printed on the angel, make sure to attach the angel to the package and return it to the post office and library - unwrapped - by Friday.

"I put up 600 to 700 angels here. They are all gone. It's phenomenal how fast they disappear," he said as he replenished angels at the post office tree.

Challenge Grant Will Make Donations

For those who can't make it to the post office or library, the Newtown Rotary Club will be accepting online donations, which will be matched up to $5,000 by the Gene and Marlene Epstein Foundation

Those donations will be used to purchase gift cards and other gifts left unfilled on the three angel trees. They will also be used to supplement a holiday Christmas party the Rotary is throwing for the residents of the Lower Bucks County Homeless Shelter and gifts for local children having a difficult time in their lives either financially or through the death of a parent or sibling.

"People can go online or mail a check and it's going to get matched," said Salvatore. "So your donation of $20 becomes $40, $50 is $100 and $100 is $200. Whatever we get it's going to get matched up to $5,000. That allows us to buy gift cards that we didn't get donated and it allows us to meet other needs that come up during the year. For example, the shelter needs diapers constantly. And there are always food inadequacies that need to be met, that we can help with. Sometimes we give them a $50 gift card to go to the grocery store for food."

The challenge continues until Christmas. "Obviously if people write a check and we don't get it until Dec. 27 it will still be part of the challenge," said Salvatore. "There is need all year round - 12 months a year, 52 weeks a year. It just takes something to happen and all of a sudden - maybe it's a fire - and a family is left homeless and without clothing and food. These funds will allow us to go out and buy coats or food or whatever that need is."

Proceeds from the challenge will benefit the following Rotary Club holiday events:

• Santa Breakfast. The club's annual breakfast at the Washington Crossing Inn feeds more than 180 children and their families. Each child receives a wrapped present.
• The Angel Tree. Each angel represents the wish of someone in our local community who could not otherwise afford gifts. Examples of the most requested gifts include sweatshirts, jackets, warm hats and gloves, and bath products. Funds are often used to help supplement the gifts, or purchase gifts that weren’t adopted. Angels are available to adopt at the Newtown Post Office and the Northampton Public Library.
• Holiday at the Shelter. A holiday party at the homeless shelter provides an evening of joy, warmth, and a visit from Santa. Family photos are taken and later presented to all the attending guests. The Zebra Striped Whale provides an ice cream sundae bar, making it a memorable occasion.
• On Christmas Eve we make and provide packaged meals to those in need in the Council Rock School District and those living in motels. These meals are either "heat and serve" or sandwiches and wraps, depending on the ability to reheat.
• Christmas At the Shelter. On Christmas Day we go to the local shelter and provide a wonderful meal with the help of our great friend, Chef Joseph Garvey. On this special day, we strive to make it a memorable experience by serving prime rib and seafood, as these are luxuries not normally afforded to our special guests. Last year we also served crowd favorites: chicken francese and pasta with meatballs.

Please scan the QR code in the graphic to donate, or mail a check to: Newtown Rotary Club, P.O. Box 123, Penns Park, PA 18943. All money raised will help support these endeavors and allow us to continue supporting those in need in our community throughout the year- because the need isn’t only limited to the holiday season.