By Aidan Mortensen | KOAL News
As the holidays approach, the United Way of Eastern Utah is bringing back its time-honored tradition of giving through the Castle Country Angels Tree program.
With applications open and running until Nov. 21, UWEU Executive Director Pam Boyd joined the KOAL newsroom to discuss the program and how to get involved.
“Nothing says Christmas like when the Castle Country Angels Tree program starts,” expressed Boyd. “We know the numbers now from last year, and it was 170 families and 414 kids who received Christmas because of this program. Thank you to everybody who sponsored a kid, all the sponsor organizations, and everybody who picked up an angel and bought a gift.”
A press release from the United Way explains the organization’s role in the charity,” The United Way serves as the clearing house for program applications with several community groups, businesses and other entities stepping up to sponsor families. Members of the community can also sponsor children by collecting angel tree ornaments from trees located at the Christmas tree Regalia gift shop, Eastern Utah Community Credit Association locations in Carbon and Emery Counties and at Price City Hall.”
Applying for the program is as easy as one, two, three. Pick up an application from the United Way Office in Price City Hall or visit UWEU.org to download the application. Fill it out and bring requested documentation, including verification of income and a valid I.D.
From there, one step remains, one that Boyd shared excitement for: “For years, families who’ve participated in an Angel Tree, you know, we asked them to participate in a financial tips workshop to help provide some information that you may not have known if you’re struggling financially. Well, this year, we’re offering it a little bit differently, and I think it’s going to make it more accessible and more exciting for families. The accessible part is that it is a video you can find on our website, UWEU.org. You’re going to find that financial tips video, and when you watch this video and when you get to the tail end of it, you can opt into a survey that then has a drawing.”
The prize for completing the survey is a chance to win one of four $100 Walmart gift cards.
Giving a peak behind the curtain, Boyd shared the atmosphere of United Way office during the holiday season: “It’s kind of some monotonous work, but you know at the end of it, kids get Christmas presents. So it’s work worth doing. Sometimes, as we all know in life, there are things you do and they don’t feel particularly rewarding, and this is like monotonous work that feels very rewarding.”
Community members looking to sponsor families through the Castle Country Angels Tree can do so by picking up an ornament at the Christmas tree Regalia gift shop, Eastern Utah Community Credit Association locations in Carbon and Emery Counties and at Price City Hall.
“This program is here. And if you’re struggling this Christmas and you’re having a hard time, we want every kid to have a happy Christmas morning. That is our goal,” said Boyd, bookending our conversation. “It’s pretty simple to apply, and we really do want people to step forward. We’re here to help.”
To learn more about the Castle Country Angels Tree program, visit the United Way of Eastern Utah website at uweu.org.