Angel Tree - Remember the children
For someone in prison Christmas is one of the most difficult times, and for their families it is the season when the divide that the prison walls bring can seem too much to bear. The Angel Tree project, through Prison Fellowship, aims to overcome some of the distress caused by the difficulties of men and women in prison, by sending Christmas presents to their children. This provides a crucial link between innocent children and their imprisoned parents.
Swinfen Hall HMP/YOI, our nearest prison, has over 600 male prisoners, and Drake Hall has over 300 women prisoners. Many prisoners have children who would love to receive a gift from their mum or dad.
How does Angel Tree work?
Prisoners can apply to send a gift through the chaplaincy team. Volunteers around the country then buy, wrap and send the gifts on the prisoner's behalf. Prisoners can write a handwritten message to their child to make the gift extra special. Each gift will be accompanied by a Christian storybook unless the prisoner has requested otherwise.
How can you help?
Financial support
Financial support is welcome - cheques can be made payable to Angel Tree (Swinfen).
Buying or wrapping gifts
The team at Angel Tree will be buying gifts on 1 December, and wrapping them on 2 December. If anyone is interested in helping, please contact Judith Henshaw on 01543 254460.
Coffee Morning
Angel Tree will be holding a coffee morning in the Community Room of Holy Cross Church, Upper St John Street, Lichfield, WS14 9DX FROM 10am-12pm on Friday 6 November. All are welcome!
"Thank you very much for helping to protect the delicate bond between my children and their dad. They both need each other very much and it was magical for them to receive a Christmas present. Thank you." - A parent, 2015
For more information, you can email AngelTree@prisonfellowship.org.uk