Memphians Make Angel Tree Burn Bright

By Les Smith
Friday, December 4, 2009

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - In absentia of the six geese a-laying, seven Lords a-leaping and one City Mayor, who curiously didn't show up to host the festivities, there was more than enough Yuletide spirit to gleefully usher in the 18th edition of the City's Angel Tree Gifts celebration on Friday.

James Nelson, special aide to Mayor AC Wharton explained, "We wanted to make it a festive event…Snowden Band and Overton High School Choir, the very best in the city. We're grateful again they could come out and share with us."

Sharing is a theme which annually Memphis City government employees at Christmas time are as comfortable with as being bundled up in their own snuggies. The downtown Hall of Mayors and City Hall's lobby was dotted with gifts bought and gathered to fulfill the Christmas wishes of adopted angels of the Salvation Army.

As a last-minute fill in for Wharton, Memphis City Council Chairman, Harold Colllins, warmly compared the gift-givers and their generosity to the biblical visit of the Magi.

Collins reflected, "Three men showed up bearing precious gifts and today the city employees are the three men today."

Nelson added, "It's a grand event. We have people who were out shopping, like myself, late last night at Target...trying to find gifts exactly what the Angels ask for...and we made it happen today. Remember, it's not just children, but also some adults who are just disabled and could not afford to have these particular things."

With the aid of city employees and students from Bethel Grove Elementary, the city's adopted school, assuming the role of "elves", two big trucks of toys were loaded up to be taken to Salvation Army Centers for organizing and eventual distribution on the last Saturday in Christmas.

It all goes to show there are angels among us. But, wouldn't it be nice if they made their presence known EVERY day?

http://www.myfoxmemphis.com/dpp/news/local/120409_memphians_make_angel_tree_burn_bright

Les Smith
Fox13 News
December 4, 2009