MOMS Club raffle to aid First Baptist Church’s Angel Tree Ministry

Two million children in America today have one or both parents in prison. For these children there is usually very little to smile about during the holidays. Christmas 2004 was different, at least for some 550,000 children. Although mom or dad was absent, there was a gift under the tree with their name on it thanks to Angel Tree, a ministry of Prison Fellowship started in 1982 by Chuck Colson.

Over 10 million children like these have had one or both parents spend time behind bars.

With the 2005 holiday season fast approaching, there are many children hoping to get something — anything for Christmas. Angel Tree Network has a great deal to accomplish in the next few weeks.

According to Pastor Jim Johnson of First Baptist Church in Maricopa, his congregation has been involved in Angel Tree Christmas for the past four years. “The first three years we assisted in the delivery of packages, provided by a church in East Mesa, to Maricopa and Stanfield children. This year we will be providing the packages and delivering them to 15 families in Maricopa and Casa Blanca.”

Pastor Jim Johnson of First Baptish Church in Maricopa.

Johnson explained, “We chose to get involved because it helps minister to children that may or may not have a Christmas due to a parent or parents being in prison. The first year I delivered gifts to some children, their eyes lit up and a big smile came across their faces. I have had single moms, grandparents, aunts and uncles thank us profusely.”

It is difficult enough being a teenager, especially when your mom or dad, or both, are in prison.

The MOMS Club of Maricopa is raising money to assist First Baptist Church’s Angel Tree ministry and also to raise funds for the Phoenix Children’s Hospital. Each playgroup is competing to fill change jars, but the big fundraiser is the Holiday Raffle.

Tickets for the raffle are $1 each. Prizes will include dining certificates to Maricopa eateries like The Duke, On the Go Bistro, Fat Daddy’s Pizza and Kazoo’s Kafe. Many wonderful gift baskets from various home-based vendors will be prizes, as well as gift certificates from Heaven’s Best Carpet Cleaning, Stormin’ Norman Pest Control and Above & Beyond Nails, to name a few. Curves and Xtreme Fitness are both offering three-month memberships. There’s even a beautiful Christmas Tree skirt, courtesy of Laurie Richards.

So many prizes, and there is no limit to the number you can win! The drawings will be held Sunday, November 20, at 4 p.m. at the Villages at Rancho El Dorado’s clubhouse. You do not need to be present to win, but refreshments will be provided as well as playtime for the kids.

To purchase tickets, contact any MOMS Club member or the fundraising coordinator, Beth Fabrick by email or at (520) 568-0665.

Help children, whether hospitalized or with a parent or parents in prison, enjoy a holiday that brings smiles to their faces.