Anonymous Christmas angel gift tags are helping to fulfill the holiday wishes of over 100 area children this season. Aurelia Burroughs explains the Columbus Junction area Christmas angel program is organized by a core team of volunteers with many people contributing, “It takes the whole community. Right now we have just under 50 families signed up and we are at about probably a little under 120 kids. So, it just takes a lot of people and a lot of generosity to pull this off, but every year we’re able to do it somehow.”

All of the gifting is done anonymously. There are three ways people can help with the initiative: adopt an angel tag and purchase gifts listed for that child, donate filler gifts to help balance out gifts for the children, or donate monetarily and the volunteers will fulfill the gift requests. They also accept the donation of gift bags and wrapping paper.

Burroughs says it’s touching to see families pick up gifts, “The amount of tears that are shed that day is unreal. I think so many of us often times take for granted that we are able to do these things for our kids, and when we can’t, families can step in and help too, you know. And there’s just a lot of families that don’t have that. We talked to a mom two days ago that, you know, it was either get Christmas presents or fill the LP tank, so that’s where we’re able to step in and really help.”

Pick up angel tags in Columbus Junction at the Washington State Bank, Community Bank, Thirsty Camel, or Economart. Or text 319-212-8731 to connect with the organizers.