SCHNECKSVILLE, PA (November 30, 2023) – KidsPeace has launched the 2023 edition of “Angel Tree,” its annual drive for toys, clothes and other personal items for children receiving treatment in its programs during the holidays.

Each year, KidsPeace caregivers ask kids what they would like for Christmas, and create tags for each child with three suggested gifts.  KidsPeace associates and employees/members of its Angel Tree partner organizations then fulfill the wishes in time for the gifts to be opened by the recipients on Christmas morning.

KidsPeace’s director of development, Missy Hartney, coordinates the Angel Tree effort for kids at KidsPeace Children’s Hospital and residential treatment at the organization’s Orchard Hills Campus in Orefield, as well as children served by its foster care office in Bethlehem.  She noted that the 2022 version of Angel Tree benefited from tremendous generosity from donors.

“Last year we were able to fulfill all the wishes on our tags, and provide gifts as well to kids who came into the programs after the tags were distributed,” she said.  “But we also were able to provide items for the calming rooms at the hospital, for First Night bags for kids coming into foster care, and for the use of our other community programs.  It was an incredibly successful effort on the part of our associates and partners!” Hartney added.

Hartney expects more than 1,200 items to be donated in this year’s effort, and based on the requests so far Angel Tree 2023 will have something in common with 2022 beyond the generosity of donors. “Once again the top requested toy is “Squishmallows” – same as last year – followed by gel pens, Legos, board games and Barbie.”

The Angel Tree program in the Lehigh Valley is sponsored by Capital Blue Cross. Partner organizations include:

 

• Bethlehem Counseling Services
• BSI Corporate Benefits
• Clear Channel Outdoor
• Clifton, Larson, Allen LLP
• Guardian Life Insurance
• Hospital Central Services
• IQVIA
• Lehigh Valley International Airport
• Moravian Academy
• Moravian University
• Parkland School District Administration
• Premier Environments
• Secant
• Union Lutheran Church

To participate, guests can visit one of these locations, or make a donation on the KidsPeace website at https://kidspeace.harnessgiving.org/events/1156.

Since 1882, KidsPeace has been building on its expertise to give hope, help and healing to children, adults and those who love them. Through its comprehensive range of residential treatment programs; accredited educational services; unique psychiatric hospital and foster care and community-based programs, KidsPeace is dedicated to helping people connect, transform and overcome their challenges to ensure a stable future, transition to adulthood and gain independence. Since its doors opened, nearly 300,000 children have participated in one of the multitude of programs KidsPeace offers. For additional resources or more information on how to get involved, become a foster parent or make a donation, please visit www.kidspeace.org. Follow us at www.facebook.com/kidspeace.org or on Twitter @KidsPeace.

 

Information Provided By:
Robert Martin
Director of Communications

 

 

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