Angel Trees With Gift Wishes Now on Display

OURAY COUNTY – Festively decorated Angel Trees have been put up throughout the community and are waiting with gift requests as part of the Ridgway Cares Holiday Angels program, now in its 24th successful year. The annual gift and food drive, sponsored by Ridgway Community Pride, serves families within the county who need additional help during the holiday season.

Angel Trees are located at Ridgway and Ouray schools, the Ridgway Library and both branches of Citizens State Bank in Ouray and Ridgway. Those wishing to help can select an angel from one of the trees and purchase the gift request on it, made by both children and families. Unwrapped gifts can be taken to any of the tree locations no later than Tuesday, Dec.16.

“We make angels and then hang them on trees throughout the community and then people may select an angel and buy the gift on that angel,” said Stephanie West, a Ridgway Cares volunteer. “We also send a letter that asks for donations and we use that money to buy gift cards for families to buy perishable food or prescriptions.” Donations to the program are tax-deductible.

West added that the organization would use the remainder of donations to buy non-perishable items from Mountain Market, who gives the program good prices on items going to families in need.

West said volunteers are also needed to organize the food late in the afternoon on Thursday, Dec. 18 at Conder Hall at the Ridgway Elementary School. This involves some lifting of boxes onto tables and sorting of donated food. To sign up as a volunteer, contact Jane Nash at 626-5965.

On Friday, Dec. 19 at 10:30 a.m., volunteers will again gather at Conder Hall to fill boxes with gifts and food. Lunch will be provided. If you wish to volunteer your time on Friday, contact Jennifer Jossi at 626-3693 or West at 626-3038.

After the donations are boxed up, law enforcement officials from Ouray County Sheriff’s Office, Ridgway Marshal’s Office and the Ouray Police Department will deliver the gifts to the families.

Last year, Ridgway Cares helped 38 Ouray County families and this year, with the tough economic climate, West estimated the program would help 40-50 families.

“People are in need of help, especially this year with the economy,” West said, adding that many of the request received are for cleaning supplies and household items, things families often do without in order to put food on the table.

People wishing to help can also adopt a family in the Ridgway Cares program. West said seven or eight families had already been adopted this year, calling it a worthwhile endeavor for an area business. Ridgway Cares has a list of families of all sizes that are in need and will work with a business or individual to find a good fit.

The success of a 24-year-long program, West said, would not be possible without a community made of caring volunteers and donors.

“This program is truly a success,” she said. “It is amazing how this community rallies around those in need. This is a very generous community.”

Families and children in need are identified through Social Services, the Food Bank, Ouray/Ridgway school staff, and concerned citizens. Families who receive help from the program remain anonymous. West can be contacted at 626-3038 by anyone who knows of a family that may benefit from the program this holiday season. Ridgway Cares is a 100 percent volunteer project and all proceeds go to help those in need within Ouray County.

Checks made payable to RCP Cares can be mailed to RCP Cares, P. O. Box 215, Ridgway, CO 81432.