Advent Calendar - December 12 - Angel Tree Project

I've never been involved in any volunteer or charitable work during the holidays, other than supporting the Salvation Army by dropping a few dollars in their collection buckets and donating toys through Toys for Tots.

But my sister Jane and her husband Dale were honored by the Oklahoma Department of Human Services for their work on behalf of the Angel Tree Project. The story that appeared in the June 25, 1997, edition of The Lone Grove Ledger included the following details

"Dale and Jane Chaney, Lone Grove, are owner/operators of Dale's Market. For the past 13 years they have been an important part of the Angel Project. They place an Angel Tree in their business and are a drop site for gifts. The Chaneys ensure that every child receives a gift and that the gifts are delivered in time for Christmas.

"They also coordinate with the local newspaper, First Community Bank and Kiwanis Club of Lone Grove. This year they placed a copy of the 'Legend of the Candy Cane' and a candy cane with each child's gift.

"In 1996, a total of 951 children received gifts in time for Christmas. Carter County DHS appreciates the Chaney's part in making the long running Angel Project a success." 

Both Jane and Dale have passed on now; I didn't even know about their involvement with Angel Tree until after their deaths. Knowing of their commitment to this program brings me joy, and I hope there are others who carry on in their stead. To learn more about Angel Tree, click here.

Dale and Jane Chaney with Joyce Wilson, Area II Director, DHS. 1997.
Digital image; original photograph held by Denise Spurlock, [ADDRESS
WITHHELD FOR PRIVACY], Lomita, California, 2012.

The Advent Calendar of Christmas Memories (ACCM) gives you an opportunity to write about and share your family’s holiday history 24 different ways during 24 days in December! Learn more at http://adventcalendar.geneabloggers.com. 


© 2012 Denise Spurlock