Angel Tree brings joy to families in need

Community Outreach Angel Tree answers the prayers of many just in time for Christmas

By DON WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

The West Memphis Community Outreach team celebrated the season of giving with their 2nd Annual Angel Tree Giveaway, spreading holiday cheer to local families and children in need. Organized by Theresa Bowe, Director of Community Outreach, this year’s program exceeded all expectations, providing gifts to 35 families – a signi _cant increase from last year.

“This year’s Angel Tree is a little grander,” Bowe explained. “We create stacks of gifts for the families who come, along with snacks for everyone to enjoy. This year, I’m telling you, our sponsors went above and beyond.”

The Angel Tree program connects sponsors with children in need, identi_ed through partnerships with organizations like Arkansas Child Services and Changing the Criteria Academy, a nonpro_t serving children with autism. Sponsors receive a list of children and their Christmas wishes, which often include toys, clothing, and even game systems.

“I work with organizations to get a list of kids and their wants,” Bowe shared. “This year, our sponsors truly delivered. Bags were _lled with everything from toys to clothes, and the joy it brought to the children and their families was unmatched.”

Notable sponsors included Chick-_l-A West Memphis, which took on 15 angels for their own in-store Angel Tree. Staff members, customers, and even General Manager Jonathan Caldwell contributed to making each child’s holiday special. “Michaela and Jonathan did a phenomenal job ensuring every child they sponsored had their wishes ful_lled,” said Bowe.

Other generous contributions included a giant box of toys donated by an individual sponsor and signi _cant support from John Wright and Consultant Incorporation.

The event culminated in a joyful celebration at the

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Community Outreach Director Theresa Bowe, Mayor Marco McClendon and The Chik-Fil-A Cow came together to help out families this Christmas.

Photos by City of West Memphis

It looks like Santa might have a little competition this year.

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auditorium, where families from Changing the Criteria Academy were treated to a festive experience featuring Santa, “Santa Baby,” and the Chick_l-A Cow dressed for the occasion. “The smiles on the children’s faces and their parents’ excitement gave us so much joy,” Bowe said. “This is one of my favorite times of the year.”

Theresa Bowe extended her gratitude on behalf of the City of West Memphis, Mayor Marco McClendon, and the Community Outreach Department to everyone who made the event possible. “We are so grateful for all the individuals who sponsored an angel for Christmas. It’s a true community effort.”

Bowe says they gave out presents to over 35 families this year.

Photos by City of West Memphis

Santa loves to hear the Christmas wishes of big kids just as much as the littler ones.

Santa can be seen all around town this Christmas.