Angel Tree a real blessing this year

It’s heartwarming to see people coming in our door at The Sealy News to pick up ornaments off the Angel Tree. 

Each ornament represents a Christmas gift wish for seniors at The Oaks and Silver Lakes retirement communities. For some of them it may be the only gift they get for Christmas. 

We’ve been doing this for many years now and it’s something we look forward to every year. Of all the charitable events we participate in, this one is probably the most meaningful, especially this year. One of the advantages I have being in the office when a lot of the ornaments are selected is overhearing comments about the types of gifts the seniors have asked for. 

When people pick through the ornaments they often become astonished and a little humbled by the simplicity of the requests. In a time when we’re used to seeing commercials and hearing kids clamor for the latest toys and technological gadgets, these seniors often ask for simple necessities such as pajamas, blankets, toiletries, etc. 

Many of them want Walmart gift cards. While that may not be glamorous or fun to shop for, they really do make a difference. They can be used to extend a meager food allowance or to purchase personal items that one might be embarrassed to list openly on an ornament, such as undergarments or socks. Some of them may not have an immediate want or need but a gift card enables them to get what they want when the need arises. 

The best part of the Angel Tree program is being at the party when the gifts are given out. Traditionally Tony’s Family Restaurant hosts and provides a free lunch to the seniors Groups sing Christmas carols and Santa hands out the gifts. It’s very fun and festive. 

Unfortunately, that will not happen this year. Government regulations prohibit nursing/retirement homes from holding public gatherings. Tony’s has offered to provide the meal, but Uncle Sam is playing the Grinch. That’s why the Angel Tree is so important this year. By using safety precautions, we can still deliver the gifts to our seniors. We can do that little bit to make their lives a little happier this year. 

As we all know this has been a very tough year for everyone, especially those in senior living communities. Visitations have been almost nonexistent, and the warmth of a hug has become a no-no. These basic things are the connections people crave and are having to do without. 

Fortunately, by the time you read this all of the ornaments on the Angel Tree will be claimed. As of this writing there are only a couple left and there is a long list of people who said they would come back if they’re not all taken. That kind of generosity really refreshes one’s perspective on humanity. In a time when there has been so much division politically and socially it’s nice to see people reaching out and caring for others, usually complete strangers. 

 Wrapping paper update 

Among other changes happening this year, our annual coloring contest and wrapping paper program is getting downsized. The kids did a fantastic job of coloring their pictures. On Friday members of the American Legion Auxiliary judged the contest and picked the winners that are published on the back page of the paper this week. I can tell you it wasn’t an easy task. There are some really good young artists out there! 

We usually print the winning pictures in a two-page spread that can be used as Christmas wrapping paper. This year, due to a lack of advertiser support, we can only do one page and it is only running this week. Unless advertisers step up, we will not be able to run it next week. 

I do want to thank the ladies from the American Legion Auxiliary for their time and careful consideration in judging the contest. I want to thank Austin County State Bank for their sponsorship and for displaying the pictures in their lobby. And thanks as well to the Sealy Community Foundation for their support. 

Mostly I want to thank the children for taking the time to color such beautiful artwork and to the parents who helped them submit it. I wish we could run all of them in the paper. 

Letters to Santa 

The letters to Santa are coming in. We’re compiling the list and checking it twice! We will publish them in next week’s paper. It’s not too late yet to advertise in that special keepsake edition. Just contact us here at The Sealy News if your business (or parents) would like to help support the children of our community through the publication of this Christmas tradition. 

I want to make a special wish to each of our readers for the happiest of holidays this year. From Hanukkah, which begins today, to Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Years, may this season be merry and bright for everyone.