Since 1985, the Highlands Emergency Council has hosted its annual Angel Trees gift-giving program for children in need each December. This year’s program featured ornaments for 73 low-income children, with every child matched to a sponsor.
Eighteen local businesses and organizations, including The Ugly Dog Public House, Oak Steakhouse and Highlands Rotary Club, display Christmas trees with ornaments listing the age, gender, clothing size and gift wishes of children in need. Donors can select an ornament, purchase the gift and bring it to the Emergency Council’s building at 71 Poplar St.
“It gives kids Christmas that normally wouldn’t get maybe one item,” said Lead Volunteer Marie Johnson. “It takes a little burden off the parents.”
The Ugly Dog displayed 35 ornaments this year and encouraged people to “adopt” the children through social media. Manager Grace Nolan said the restaurant first got involved to support the Highlands community.
“We have a lot of parents that work here that have children, and we try to be involved in our community and always provide what we can, whether that’s being open during winter storms or whatnot,” said Nolan. “We always try to be there for our community.”
While Highlands is typically thought of as an affluent community, many families still face financial challenges. The Angel Trees program gives those families an opportunity to give their children a special Christmas.
“I think there’s a lot of people who are very privileged to live here, but can’t always afford the Christmases, and I think it’s important that everyone has the same sense of community in providing for them as well,” said Nolan.
Johnson emphasized the importance of donors, calling them “very generous”.
The Emergency Council is accepting gifts until Dec. 24.
- Mitch Stone
reporter@highlandsnews.com