The holiday season is upon us, and along with that spirit of festivity for some families can come the worry of financial strain for gifts. To help ease the burden on these families and provide children across eastern Utah with a wonderful Christmas, the United Way of Eastern Utah hosts their annual Angel Tree Program.
To talk about the program, its importance and how to apply or give, United Way Executive Director Pam Boyd stopped by the KOAL newsroom to speak on this incredible charity.
Opening our conversation, Boyd explained the purpose of the Angel Tree Program,” the Angel Tree program is the simple idea that every kid should enjoy a merry Christmas. And so, this is a way that the community can step forward and make that happen. And, you know, the United Way is about mobilizing the caring power of the community. That’s our mission, right? Angel Tree is such a great example of this.” Boyd continued,” This is the way that the community mobilizes to make sure every kid gets to enjoy Christmas.”
In terms of efficacy, the Angel Tree last year provided Christmas gifts for 144 families, 378 kids and 54 seniors/disabled adults. These gifts would not be possible without the help of the community, who Boyd took the time to shout out,” After we vet the applications, we send the applications out to sponsors in the community. People like the Clampers, who are amazing. And Eastern Utah Community Credit Union takes on a bunch of angels. And just different businesses, different groups. They take on these families then and buy for these kids and deliver these presents.”
Next, Boyd described the application process for families looking to participate in the program. “ There’s a couple of easy ways to get an application. One of them is online on our website, which is uweu.org. And you hit the little Angel Tree button and it’ll take you to a place where you can download the application. And then they’re also available at our office, which is room 105 at Price City Hall. If I’m not there, they’re on a clipboard on the door so you can grab an application.” Boyd continued,” And the deadline to return them is November 22nd. I understand that that’s early. I understand that’s coming up fast. But a lot of those sponsors like to Black Friday shop because they have a lot of kids. And so, it just makes it easier for the sponsors to get the names earlier.”
Looking at the other side of the coin, we asked Boyd how people can participate in giving to the Angel Tree,” there are great ways to give to the United Way and the Angel Tree program. I’d say number one is to go to the Christmas tree Regalia Shop at the old Sears building. And there you get to shop and then they also have Angel Trees set up. So, you can buy for two or three kids or two or three presents versus taking on a whole family. You can also do that at Eastern Utah Community Credit Union. I will also set up an Angel Tree at Price City Hall. So people can just come in and get those angels. And then you return the gifts you purchased with the tag on the outside of it.”
For those who may want to adopt an entire family instead of just one or two kids, Boyd explained how you do so,” The best way to do that would be just to call my office, which is 435-637-8911 or email me at liveunitedatuweu.org.”
In closing, Boyd shared,” I hope everybody that needs it applies. I hope that everybody who wants to share the wealth signs up to sponsor the tree. So, thank you to the community for the wonderful sponsors that we have for this event. And we’re looking forward to the holiday season.”
To learn more about the United Way of Eastern Utah’s Angel Tree Program, you can visit uweu.org. You can also follow the organization on Facebook.