FORT RUCKER, Ala. - White cards adorn the evergreen branches of a lone Christmas tree in the Main Post Chapel. Also decorated with white cards, a second tree stands in the Post Exchange.
Therese Erthal, Catholic parish coordinator, has collected gifts for youngsters of all ages for the past decade through the Angel Tree program and said the new PX location was chosen as a convenience for shoppers.
She placed about 500 tags on the trees' boughs, marked with the ages and genders of anonymous less fortunate military children. The list of youngsters is compiled from the Army Community Service Thanksgiving food voucher list, Erthal said.
She noted military Families are especially deserving of assistance during the holidays because of their service to the nation.
"These are people who give their lives for our country," she said. "It's military Families taking care of military Families."
She said those wishing to contribute may choose tags from the trees, purchase appropriate gifts and return them to the chapel or drop off point provided at the PX by Dec. 13. Erthal explained there is no set amount deemed necessary to spend on gifts, but she will not accept anything used or food items. Donated presents should also remain unwrapped.
Erthal said parish staff members purchase gifts for any unclaimed or unreturned tags. She said if people choose tags, but later find they are unable to purchase gifts, they should either return tags to the trees or alert her anonymously.
All the effort required to make the Angel Tree an annual success pays off, Erthal said.
She enjoys her job, even after sorting through 10 years' worth of presents, because she knows she's bringing Christmas cheer to youngsters.
"It's a labor of love," she said. "It's a lot of work, but I know these kids will wake up Christmas morning and have something."
Deputy Installation Chaplain (Lt. Col.) Claude Crisp, said the Angel Tree project is worthwhile because he's seen the happiness it delivers military Families. He said Soldiers sacrifice much for their country and community members should give back in honor of their service.
Crisp added even though Soldiers have steady jobs and paychecks, some of them, especially young servicemembers with large Families, can easily fall into tough situations.
"I don't know anybody who's not had hard times and along the way, somebody cared about them ... so this opportunity now to give is a special thing," he said.
Tags may be plucked from the chapel tree Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and during weekend worship services. Shoppers may stop by the tree at the PX Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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