By: Kimberly Osborne
Posted In: News
Photo credit: Chelse Melina
The Angel Tree stands in the lobby of Miley Hall. Each tag lists an item that a child has requested for the holiday season this year.
This Christmas season, Sarah Kelly, Salve Regina University’s community service coordinator, had the important job of decorating the Christmas tree in Miley Hall’s lobby. It is not garland or a star on top that makes this tree so special. It is the 250 tags, adorned with the names of needy children, that hang from its branches.
For the third year in a row, Salve Regina University has put up the “Angel Tree,” in an attempt to create awareness of local poverty and get the university involved in helping the community. “It is definitely a popular project at Salve,” said Kelly. “Everyone gets involved, the students, staff and faculty.” Each tag on the “Angel Tree” has the name, age, clothing sizes and slipper size of a child between the ages of newborn and 18 years of age. In addition to the child’s information, each tag also has a description of a gift that the child wants for Christmas. Kelly said that some people who participate buy all of the items requested on the tag. Kelly said that during her time working on this project she has seen some great gifts, including a Gameboy, CD players and even a bicycle. “It is truly amazing,” said Kelly. “My office is packed with presents by the due date of the gifts.” In previous years, Kelly has had to order additional tags because the tree was empty within days. This year, Kelly decided to order 50 more tags than she did last year. When the Salvation Army attended Salve’s annual Community Service Fair three years ago, the non-profit organization set up a display of the “Angel Tree.” Kelly said that she liked the idea and decided to start the program that December. Each year the Salvation Army brings Kelly the decorative tags inscribed with the names of local children. Once the tree is set up in Miley’s lobby, Kelly decorates the tree with the tags and watches as they disappear.
