Teen Christmas Angel celebrates success
BY KADIE TAYLOR
THE LAFAYETTE SUN
EAST ALABAMA — The Teen Christmas Angel organizers are looking back and celebrating a season of success after providing Christmas gifts for over two dozen local teens last month.
“Teen Christmas Angel started from a simple desire to make sure teens weren’t overlooked during the holidays,” said Organizer Criston Davis. “So many programs focus on younger children, and teens often fall through the cracks. The program serves families in Chambers County as well as Lee County, working through community connections, schools and word of mouth to identify needs.”
Davis said the Teen Christmas Angel works to ensure families have a program to help meet the needs of their teens during the Christmas season.
“Teens are at a unique age where they understand financial struggles but still deserve to feel remembered and valued at Christmas,” she said. “This program meets a need by providing age-appropriate gifts that help teens feel seen and cared for. Having programs like this in Chambers and Lee county is important because it brings the community together to support families who may be struggling but don’t always ask for help.”
This past Christmas, Teen Christmas Angel helped 27 teens. Davis said the program wouldn’t be possible without the generosity of community members, donors, volunteers and those who helped shop and distribute the gifts.
“It truly was a group effort,” she said. “The impact goes beyond the gifts. It shows teens that their community cares about them. Feedback from families and community members has been incredibly positive, with many expressing gratitude and saying how meaningful it was for their teens to feel included and supported during the holidays.”
As community members look for ways to give back throughout the year, Davis said joining local Facebook groups is a way to stay aware of needs and programs to donate to, including Teen Christmas Angel.
“Information for next year will be shared through local community Facebook groups and posts closer to the holiday season,” she said. “I’d encourage anyone interested to follow those groups and get involved however they can — whether that’s donating, shopping or spreading the word.”
As Davis reflected on the impact of Teen Christmas Angel on local teens in her community, she said she is thankful for the community support that makes giving back — and providing gifts for local teens — possible.
“My passion comes from loving this community and wanting to help where there’s a need,” she said. “I believe everyone deserves kindness and hope, especially during the holidays, and I’m grateful to be able to play a small part in that… I usually organize a group of wonderful sponsors to help make Christmas [special]. These programs wouldn’t be possible without the generosity and support of our amazing community — their kindness truly makes all the difference.”
