Wednesday, December 13th was the day for the return of the fulfilled wishes on the 175 Angel Tags from the Salvation Army that were given out at the November luncheon and afterward for a week or so as folks called to come choose one. Yes, it wasn’t the best day to sit outside in the lower parking lot of the April Sound Country Club with Mark with the Salvation Army truck, but, from 10 to noon a steady train of cars drove through to deliver the bags filled with gifts.
When Patricia Orsini volunteered to help me that day at the ASLA Board meeting, I’m sure she had no clue it would be drizzling a chilly light rain just enough to require an umbrella most of the time. There is an identification number on each tag, so we had to read those small numbers in order to mark off each person’s name on the papers attached to our clipboards. The size of the returned bags was impressive, and there were many people who reported buying everything on the wish list provided on their particular tag. We had 35 seniors and the rest of the 175 were children ranging in age from infancy to age 12. When the parents go to register their child or children, they are required to present their birth certificates to assure authenticity, according to Lt. Claudia Guzman, who heads up the Angel Tag program.
When all was said and done, all the tags were fulfilled except one and that was taken to the Salvation Army Distribution Center in Conroe the next day. Many comments were made about what a great feeling the ladies experienced by participating in this program and knowing they made Christmas brighter and happier for their person.
Meanwhile, across the parking lot, Co-Chairs for the Food Bank Committee, Diane Davis and Diane Porter were also braving the elements to collect food items and money donations for Coat of Many Colors in Montgomery. Diane reported a huge collection of food and a record amount of money donations which were taken right away to Coat of Many Colors for distribution. The program for the day was a fabulous treat with the Honors A Cappella Choir from Lake Creek High School entertaining with a beautiful music program that received a standing ovation. This extremely talented group led by Cameron Carnley, who grew up in April Sound and attended Montgomery High School, excelling in their music program, has won so many awards that Program Vice President Desiree Blache had trouble listing them all. Listening to this group sure gave us all hope for the future and was a highlight of our holiday!
Lt. James Guzman joined us for the luncheon and gave a great talk. At each ASLA luncheon we put out the Salvation Army jars. Several ladies gave additional donations. The ASLA Board voted to give $1000. When all was tallied, I proudly presented Lt. Guzman with $5473.45 due to the fabulous generosity of our ASLA members!Â
Ann Marie Ricci may be reached at jamricci@consolidated.net.Â
