Another successful Angel Tree distribution

Santa definitely has a lot of angels in Checotah working the Angel Tree Program each year. From the angels that hang on the Angel Trees themselves to the angels who picked them off the tree to bless them for Christmas.

Over 160 angels will have a merrier Christmas this year thanks to the Checotah Lions Club, assisted by Checotah Schools personnel and the generosity of the public. Several local businesses also help by putting these angel trees on display. They included these businesses this year: Atwood’s, Armstrong Bank, First Family Credit Union, Fast Lanes Bowling, Sharpe’s, Peoples National Bank and Walmart.

“The outstanding help from our local citizens and businesses helps to make Christmas a little brighter for over 160 children in our small town,” Lion Secretary Iris Park said. “It’s such a great feeling to bring the joy of Christmas to a child who might not get the experience without the generosity of others. Our volunteers from the community and the Checotah FFA students helped sort, wrap, load and distribute hundreds of gifts this year.“ Lion Iris Park heads up the Angel Tree Project each year and Lion President Tony Fields provides his stock trailer for transporting gifts from the wrapping station to the school gym for parents to pick them up. Of course, Santa aka Lion Treasurer Robert Jennings is always there to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and to give a hug to any child in need.

“We are so excited to do the Angel Tree Project each year,” says Lion Park. “It truly is the highlight of the year and we love giving back to our community.”

The Angel Tree program was started by the Kiwanis Club in 1995 and was adopted by the Checotah Lions Club in 1998 when Kiwanis Club disbanded.