Highland Social Services Office Is Coordinating The County Angel Tree Program This Year

Monterey, VA – During this holiday season, Highland County residents can share with others who are less fortunate and help spread holiday cheer throughout the county. Often the giver experiences even greater joy than the receiver. The Highland County Office of Social Services is helping coordinate Angel Tree programs in the county. Director of the Department of Social Services, Sharon Sponaugle, talks about this year’s programs. She says they will have an Angel Tree at the annual Wintertide tree lighting ceremony on December 4th.

“With parents permission, we provide a description of what a child under 18 needs or would like for Christmas” says Sponaugle. “And it is placed on the Angel Tree in numbered envelopes containing only the childs age, sex, sizes, favorite colors, etc.”

Ms. Sponaugle goes on to explain that the confidentiality of the participants is preserved, and the gifts are distributed to families by the Dept of Social Services.

“We ask that presents be brought to our agency by December 17th” she says. “We would like a list of what is in the presents because we receive some individual donations that we add to presents and we do not want to duplicate what a child receives.”

The Student Council Association at Highland High School also sponsors an Angel Tree program. Presents can be brought to the school. They will then be transferred to the Department of Social Services for distribution. For more information about the Angel Tree programs in Highland County, call the Department of Social Services in Monterey at 468-2199.