Caring hearts adopt 550 angels

It’s no surprise when Y‑12 employees show how caring they are, and the 2007 Angel Tree Program sponsored by the Y‑12 Employees’ Society was no exception. More than 550 angels from Anderson, Monroe, Morgan, Roane and Sevier counties were adopted.

“The response was overwhelming,” said Angel Tree Program coordinator Lisa Harris of Public Affairs and Communications and YES local travel director. “We received $8,487 in donations between YES and individual contributors in addition to the gifts bought for the adopted angels.” Harris brought much enthusiasm and compassion to the program and developed the online registration for angels. “I thought an online ‘adoption’ would allow employees to select from a wider range of angels.”

Jan Wuest of Human Capital was one of Harris’ building coordinators, meaning she spread the word about the program and collected gifts. She said, “Every year my co‑workers and I look forward to the Angel Tree Program. It helps us celebrate the real meaning of Christmas.”

Harris, who is already looking forward to next year’s program, said, #8220;I had 65 volunteers. They shopped for angels not adopted, sorted the gifts by county and wrapped and delivered the gifts to the county contacts. The program would not have been such a success without the help of many behind the scenes.”

One of Harris’ shoppers was Pam Wright of Information Technology. “I usually participate in the Angel Tree by adopting an angel, buying what’s requested, bringing in the gift and continuing on with my own family’s holiday preparations. This year was different. I adopted an angel, but I also was invited to help shop for those who gave cash donations.”

Wright continued, “It was the most fun I’ve had in years. The feeling of being able to be part of giving so much happiness to so many children has stayed with me. I will definitely be helping from now on.”

Maybe you were an angel to a child in need this holiday season and feel like Wright: “I feel like I’ve got my junior angel’s wings.”