Angel Tree Program At First Presbyterian Church Of Fort Lauderdale to Provide Christmas Gifts for Children of Incarcerated Parents
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Nov. 23, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Fort the 14th consecutive year, the congregation at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale will bring the community together to set their Angel Tree project into motion and serve those who are often forgotten; children whose parents are incarcerated.
Each year, prisoners work with their prison chaplains to nominate their children from birth to age 19, if still in high school. With approximately 200 children in the program this year, each child will receive two gifts, one clothing item and one "fun" gift such as a toy, book or jewelry.
"We generally serve families located in eastern Broward County," said Angel Tree Coordinator Jan Nolander. "With help from Fort Lauderdale's Junior League and Happyland Day School, the whole community really pulls together to ensure these children have a fun and happy Christmas experience that they deserve."
Members of the community are welcome to visit the church's Angel Tree and choose an angel tag detailing each child's gift request ($30 value). The Angel Tree will be on display in the courtyard outside the Sanctuary until 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 27, 2016. Gifts must be purchased, wrapped with the tag attached and brought back to the church by December 4, 2016.
"Attaching the tag to the gift is so important," said Nolander. "The gift tag comes on behalf of the parent in prison, including a short message to their child."
On December 11, 2016, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., at the church's Neumann Center, the gifts will be distributed to the children. Festivities will include refreshments, entertainment, crafts, and a short service to talk about the true meaning of Christmas and recognize the approximately 80 caregivers who will accompany the children. Additionally, each child will make a festive card and take a picture with Santa to send to their parent in prison.
"The Jail and Prison Ministry at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale has ongoing programs to help families who are impacted by the incarceration of a parent," said Nolander. "But, we are especially proud of the Angel Tree program, which allows us to share the gift of God's love with these families."
To learn more about the programs at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale, visit www.firstpres.cc or call (954) 462-6200.
About First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Lauderdale
Founded in 1912, First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Lauderdale is located on the banks of the New River in the historic Colee Hammock neighborhood in downtown Ft. Lauderdale. With more than 1,800 members, and a strong core of volunteers, First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Lauderdale prides itself in offering something for everyone, regardless of age. Since 1947, First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Lauderdale has operated Happyland Day School, a pre-school for ages two to Kindergarten that provides a quality Christian environment for the children of the community. Adult, youth and children choirs as well as youth groups offer ample opportunity for fellowship at any age. An Adult Activity Center is open to senior citizens and features weekly lunches, entertainment and monthly bus trips. First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Lauderdale offers two regular Sunday services as well as special worship services held throughout the year to commemorate significant days. For more information, please visit the website at www.firstpres.cc.
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SOURCE First Presbyterian Church of Ft. Lauderdale
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