The Angel Tree project will be back in full force this year. Look for the tree inside the church doors on November 27, right after Thanksgiving. We will have the tags with the gifts that families and children have requested hanging on the tree or in baskets. Sign up sheets will be on a table nearby. We have three Sundays to pick a gift and return it wrapped to the church.

I will need all gifts by December 13 so the charities can have their parties to distribute the presents to the families and children. Gifts should be in the range of $25-$50 if you are purchasing a gift card.

The Angel Tree project supports three agencies in our local area:

Arm in Arm, formerly known as Crisis Ministry, was started by Trinity Church and Nassau Presbyterian in 1980. They have three areas of assistance where they help local families in need with food, housing stability and workforce development. This year we will concentrate on those individuals that are in the Workforce development program. This area offers training programs, resume writing, and online computer training. These individuals also work in the food pantries to get hands on experience.

We will be providing gifts cards to the adults who are enrolled in this program.

Housing Initiatives of Princeton provides transitional housing to families for 24 months. In addition to housing, HIP provides individualized case management services for clients to succeed independently. Housing is coupled with job searches, budgeting, educational assistance, and access to food pantries. Assistance is also offered in locating permanent affordable housing, and help with the first month’s rent, and security deposits if needed.

Your gifts will go to families and their children in the three housing units.

Urban Promise of Trenton is equipping Trenton’s children with the skills necessary for academic achievement, life management and spiritual growth. Staff and volunteers help empower the children by providing tutoring and homework help along with enriching activities in their afterschool programs. The Street Leaders program employs teens to help lead and mentor the younger children and keep them off the street. They have a 100% high school graduation rate and many continue their higher education. Urban Promise has two locations in Trenton: Camp Truth at Trinity Cathedral, and Camp Grace at East End Community Center on Clinton Ave.

This is our largest agency because of their concentration on children and your gifts will go to all ages of children from elementary age to teens.

Thank you for your support of this tradition,

Martha Lashbrook