Published: December 12, 2008 10:45 am      

Presbyterian church aids Littlest Angels

Members of Westminster Presbyterian have been busy gathering gifts to place under the enormous Christmas tree inside the church’s Grace Hall Thursday afternoon.

The church is providing surplus gifts of clothing and toys for the Cooke County Littlest Angels program.

“This is the first time we’ve done this surplus as a way to support Littlest Angels,” said church member Judy Lovelace.

Lovelace and her husband, Danny, Tricia West, Melissa Hillis, Mistie Dill and Pastor Darrell McIntyre were on hand Thursday to sort the gifts which will eventually be taken to the Cooke County Youth Center.

Hillis, chairman for Littlest Angels, said the group hopes to provide assistance for 586 angels and 223 families this year.

She noted that there are still angels on the trees at several locations.

“I have some angels left on the trees, and some angels on my desk,” she said.

Time is running out for shoppers and anyone who would like to donate to Littlest Angels.

The Westminster effort began last Sunday and ends this Sunday, Lovelace said.

Hillis said families and individuals who took angels should bring the gifts to the Boys and Girls Clubs as soon as possible.

Gifts for needy children and a number of elderly residents can include clothing, personal items and toys.

Tricia West, executive director for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Cooke County, said there’s nothing wrong with being practical when it comes to Christmas gift-giving.

“Every child needs new socks and underwear,” she said.

Anyone who would like to make a monetary donation or provide surplus gift items for children or the elderly may drop their donations off at the youth center at 315 E. Hird St.