The crumple of wrapping paper fills Valley Creek Church as students prepare presents to throw in huge plastic bags. Each bag represents one adopted angel, who is a student within the district; the bags are sorted by the schools and await delivery. This may sound like Santa’s workshop, but it’s the district’s Adopt an Angel program at work.
The 21st annual Adopt an Angel program began adoptions on Nov. 6. Those still wishing to adopt an angel can visit the Adopt an Angel website. Those who adopt may drop off labeled, unwrapped gifts beginning Wednesday Nov. 29 at Valley Creek Church in Lewisville on Business 121.
Since 2002, Student Activities Director Allison Stamey has hosted the Adopt an Angel program. This project works to get presents to less fortunate families in the district and the average spent per angel is about $100. Currently, about 2,330 children are listed in the program with angels still being added.
“It’s watching the happiness that comes from both sides from the givers and the receivers,” Stamey said. “No one has any idea how happy giving makes them until they’re part of it.”
Students receive service hours for volunteering to wrap gifts. Gift wrapping begins Thursday, Nov. 30, and gift deliveries will be on Wednesday, Dec.13.
“It’s a really good bonding experience for all organizations because we all show up and help wrap gifts,” LISD Liaison Ayrica Jones said. “It’s a positive environment because we’re helping kids.”
Even though it’s Community Service Officer Kaiden Reese’s first year as an officer, he has volunteered at Adopt an Angel in the past. Despite the late nights spent wrapping and organizing gifts, Reese enjoys doing it for the program.
“My favorite part was learning,” Reese said. “Once I learned how to wrap gifts, I didn’t want to stop; it was fun. I felt like I was an elf working in Santa’s workshop.”
There are currently 842 angels left for adoption. Adoptions are due by Dec. 6, with gifts dropped off by Dec. 9.
“You may be celebrating Kwanzaa or Hanukkah or some other holiday during that time, and that’s fine,” Stamey said. “I think it’s important to show this family is going to get the same [celebration].”
