The Angel Tree project began in 1987 as a collaborative effort between Junior Auxiliary of Clinton and Deposit Guaranty National Bank. That first year, angel "wishes" were hung on a single tree at one bank and customers selected an angel, shopped for that child, and JA members delivered the gifts to the children. That year, 36 children received gifts as a result of the project. This project has grown immensely over the past 17 years. This year, Junior Auxiliary of Clinton served 202 children in the Clinton community. Each child was granted two wishes resulting in the hanging of 404 angels. Laurie Lawson and the Clinton Community Christian Corporation work hand-in-hand with JA in this endeavor. For many years, Laurie has conducted the screening for individuals wishing to be included in the Angel Tree Project. She provides us with the names of the most needy families in the Clinton area.
This year, angel-laden wreaths are being hung in the following locations: BankPlus branches on Cynthia Road, Springridge Road, and Clinton Boulevard, BancorpSouth, Baptist Healthplex, College Cleaners, Creative Kids, Funtime Skateland, Funtime Preschool, Trustmark on Pinehaven, Trustmark on Clinton Boulevard, YMCA, Holy Ghost Missionary Church, Northside Baptist Church, Wayside Church, Clinton Christian Academy, Clinton Park Elementary, Northside Elementary, Eastside Elementary, Lovett Elementary, Sumner Hill Jr. High, Clinton Jr. High, Clinton High School.
Each year, we celebrate the completion of the project by hosting a "Cookies with Santa" party for the participants. This party allows the parents an opportunity to pick up their gifts and take them home while children visit with Santa. The Crown Club also assisted in this endeavor by taking pictures of each participant with Santa Claus and then helping each child make a picture frame for the picture.
