Andalusia Star News

There are some 115 angels remaining to be adopted to make this year’s Andalusia Community Christmas a success.

This year, more than 500 children are registered as “angels” for the annual event that provides Christmas presents to needy families. Com-munity Christmas works by having the community adopt the “angels” and then purchase gifts for them. It is recommended that about $60 be spent on each child.

“Time is sort of running out,” said ACC volunteer Judy Bryant, who is in charge of distributing the angels. “If these children aren’t adopted, then the organization has to buy for them. We have some money in reserve, but if we spend it now, there’ll be nothing to start with next year.”

Angels are available now at Andalusia city hall, JCPenney, Andalusia Regional Hospital, WAAO, Winn-Dixie and Walmart.

Also, those who’ve already adopted an angel should make plans to drop off their gifts this weekend.

Larry Avery, organizer, said volunteers will be manning the Kiwanis building on Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon and on Sunday from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. to accept the packages.

Instructions on how to package the items can be found on the back of the child’s “angel” card.

“But in general, the instructions are to place the items in a garbage bag, securely attach the angel to it and drop it off at Kiwanis building,” Avery said.

It costs an estimated $50,000 to purchase gifts for the children. When angels are not adopted, the Community Christmas volunteers must make the purchases – which is why donations are also important.

The donations are tax-deductible and should be mailed to Andalusia Community Christmas Inc., P.O. Box 1525, Andalusia, AL 36420.

-Stephanie Nelson