Area agencies reach out to needy during holidays

Two area agencies are working to ensure the less fortunate have a merry Christmas.

Since 2005, the Helping Hands Hospice has raised money for their Angel Fund through ceramic angels, said Sherri Lopez, administrator.

Lopez said the fund is set up for patients and their families for unforeseen occurrences that may happen throughout the year. She said the money is used to help members of the program year round, though the holiday season is the only time money is raised.

Lopez said selling the ceramic angels is the groups only fundraising project. She said volunteers have taken the time to make the ceramic angels which cost $5 to purchase.

Lopez said the funds varies from year to year and use of the money has to be carefully selected. She said in the past they did purchase a water heater for a member who could not afford it and in another instance, family members were flown in from New York to see them before they passed away.

Lopez said a paper memorial angel is part of the purchase of the ceramic angel and the name of a loved one can be placed on the paper angel, which will be displayed on Christmas trees around Tucumcari.

For more information you can call 461-0099.

TeamBuilders Counseling Service is reviving the Angel Tree wish list, which helps area childrens Christmas wishes come true, said Carmela Olivas, administrative assistant.

Olivas said people can go to the Team Builders office at 1110 East High Avenue starting Wednesday through Dec. 14 to pick up an Angel Tree wish list. She said there are three gifts on each wish list and people can choose one or all of the gifts to buy for that child.

Olivas said this is another way to help the children in the various program offered by the agency. She said many of the children on the list would not have a Christmas without the program.

Angel Tree wish lists are available Monday through Friday between 8 a.m., and 5 p.m. Wrapped gifts along with the Angel must be returned by Dec. 14 for the Christmas event.

For more information call 461-4411.