5 THINGS TO KNOW: How to donate to the annual McAlester Christmas Angels project

Derrick James, McAlester News-Capital, Okla.
·2 min read

Nov. 9—The McAlester News-Capital has partnered with Toliver Chevrolet to continue the McAlester Christmas Angels project this year. Here's more information on how people can participate.

1 What is the goal of the McAlester Christmas Angels?

The News-Capital and Lions Club started the project three years ago as an idea to help community members during the holidays at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. More than 1,200 children have been helped through the project since it began.

2 How does it work?

The Christmas Angels are placed on a tree at the News-Capital to represent a child in and around Pittsburg County needing assistance over the holidays. Each child on the tree is anonymous and will receive the items requested on their list.

3 How can children be nominated?

School counselors and administrators will nominate children to benefit from the project. No call-ins will be accepted. Anyone with questions can contact Publisher Reina Owens at rowens@mcalesternews.com.

4 How can I pick a Christmas Angel?

Christmas Angels will be available for anyone to pick up at the McAlester News-Capital offices at 500 S. Second St. in McAlester between Nov. 15th through Nov. 30th. All angels must be returned by Dec. 4th.

Every Christmas Angel on the tree is numbered, so anyone purchasing gifts for an angel must number the gifts. Gifts must be new and unwrapped.

5 How else can I help?

Sponsors for Christmas Angels can contact the News-Capital office now so we can take your name and number to send you an angel after all nominations have been received.

Anyone who would rather make a donation or volunteer to shop for angels can also contact the News-Capital. Checks need to be made to the McAlester News-Capital Christmas Angels.

Donations of new unwrapped toys, hygiene items, wrapping paper and holiday gift sacks will also be accepted.

Anyone with further questions can contact Owens at 918-421-2010 or Jessica Banks at 918-421-2007.

—Derrick James