AngelFISH..

 

 

Organized by Oxford/Orion FISH, the AngelFISH holiday program just completed its 8th year.  We matched the children of local needy families with generous donors from Oxford and Orion, as well as other nearby communities.  Those eligible FISH clients who wanted to participate completed a "wish list" for each of their children indicating age, gender, and suggestions for clothing, toys, and other gifts.  These gift lists were then passed on to our donors who were encouraged to spend around $75 per child. 

    We were very fortunate to have donors who "adopted" 278 children this year.   Who were these donors?  They included individuals, local businesses and community groups, churches, and schools.  Sometimes, donors choose AngelFISH as a means to help their children and grandchildren learn about giving to those in need by including these children in on the shopping.

     Numerous volunteers and donors worked to make the AngelFISH program a success.  Volunteers helped with client registration at the FISH pantry in mid-October when the clients turned in their "wish lists".  On a Thursday and Friday in early December, volunteers helped make everything come together at Myrick Hall.  With thanks to St. Joseph Church, Myrick Hall was the drop-off center for donors' gifts.  After we received their gifts, volunteers got everything organized so that the gifts were ready for our families when they picked them up on a Saturday morning.

     Most of our donors were eager for their "wish lists" to arrive early so that they could take advantage of early holiday sales.  As a result, we worked hard to send them their lists by the first of November.  In addition, some donors who "adopted" a child, or donors who couldn't really afford to adopt, purchased gifts for our "Bonus Tables".  The tables were amazing with an array of games, hats/mittens, toys, sporting goods, art/craft items, clothing, wrapping paper, and stocking stuffers.  Special items such as pillows and bedroom linens were greatly appreciated.  They allowed our moms and dads a chance to do a bit of "shopping" for their children on their own.   All gifts were given with a wonderful spirit which gave hope to so many of our families.  The clients were so very appreciative.  Many would not have had much of a Christmas without our help. 

     In addition to AngelFISH, O/O FISH provided holiday food baskets at Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Volunteers met at the FISH pantry to help sort and pack bags for each holiday.     Anyone who is interested in becoming an AngelFISH donor for 2010, and/or is willing to help us by volunteering for any of our holiday programs,  please, call the Oxford/Orion FISH Hotline at   248-693-0638.

Neighbors

Helping

Neighbors...