"Project Angel Tree" Spreads Christmas Cheer
(l-r) Dr. Gelia Frederick-Van Genberen, Miss. Anna Jackson, one of the students, Miss. Gloria Glidden of the Water Authority, along with another staff member. Dr Frederick-Van Genberen receives a hand-made pillow from Miss Jackson on behalf of the Sunrise students.
For the past four years, the management and staff of the Water Authority chose to donate gifts to members of the community through "Project Angel Tree".
Students of Sunrise Training Facility celebrated Christmas a few days early on Wednesday 18 December at the offices of the Water Authority.
Staff and students enjoy fun during the lunch celebrations
Ms. Sophia Carter, Human Resources Manager, thought of the idea of "Project Angel Tree" several years ago as a way to involve staff in the true spirit of giving during the holidays.
"Project Angel Tree" soon became an annual charity project of the Authority where members of staff present gifts to the chosen recipients of the project each year.
Dr. Frederick-Van Genberen with Miss. Edilme McLaughlin, student.
In past years, the recipients have been the boys and girls from Social Services, the residents of the Pines Retirement Home and the students of Sunrise Training Centre.
This year, students of Sunrise were again selected as the recipients.
Sunrise students unwrapping their gifts.
Sunrise Training Centre is an adult facility, offering life skills and vocational training, for the differently able with a current student body of 25 men and women ranging in age from 17 to 46 years.
Toward the end of the year, staff members of the Authority choose to be an "angel" for one or more of the recipients by purchasing a gift from the wish list.
In the past, the gifts and goodwill were delivered by Dr. Gelia Frederick-van Genderen, Director of the Water Authority.
However, the staff decided on a different approach this year, as they were missing out on all the fun.
The students of Sunrise Training Centre were invited to the offices of the Water Authority for a Christmas lunch buffet.
Now, all the "angels" who participated had an opportunity to deliver their presents in person.
Twenty students arrived to a decorated room, complete with Christmas music, and in high anticipation of the day's celebration.
A few were unable to attend due to illness or work responsibilities.
"We wanted to share the day with as many staff as possible, so we were happy to invite the students here this year, and create a wonderful outing for them", commented Dr. Frederick-van Genederen, as she welcomed the students and guests, and led a group of staff in singing "We wish you a merry Christmas".
As each name was called, presents were delivered, and immediately unwrapped.
One last gift was discovered under the tree.
Ms. Anna Jackson, on behalf of all the students of Sunrise, presented Water Authority staff Dr. Frederick-van Genderen and Ms. Gloria Glidden, with a handmade pillow craft as a thank you.
Authority staff happily served their guests from a lunch spread of sandwiches, wings, patties, vegetable snacks, fruit and cake.
The broad smiles, sparkling eyes and peals of laughter made for a happy ending to "Project Angel Tree."