LPT Encourages a Little Caring And Sharing

Inside the lobby of the Lower Providence Township Building stands a lone tree with an angel on top.

Aptly named the Angel Tree, it is the centerpiece for the Lower Providence Parks and Recreation’s Caring and Sharing Program.

“Lower Providence Township cares about its residents, and makes sure that its families can have a good holiday,” Karen Barron, Caring and Sharing Coordinator and Parks and Recreation administrative assistant, said.

Right after Thanksgiving, the Angel Tree was set up and adorned with over 300 individual paper-stocking ornaments. According to Barron, the stockings list an individual gift request from 10 Lower Providence families, who were identified by the Methacton School District.

The stocking provided the age, gender and gift request, however left the name of the recipient anonymous.

Through outlets, such as its Facebook, the Township encouraged residents to take up a stocking and donate the requested item for distribution in time for the holidays.

Barron said there is no price limit in fulfilling the requested item, and leaves such judgments to the generosity of the Angel Tree participant.

“A lot of residents really do a great job,” Barron said, adding that many residents have asked about the Angel Tree well before it was set up in the lobby.

As an example of the generosity of Lower Providence residents, Barron shared that one family requested stockings that would fulfill the wish list of an entire Angel Tree family.

According to Barron, the Township is approximately halfway to its Angel Tree goal, and encourages residents to come to the Township Building to pick up a stocking.

Residents or local businesses interested in participating with the Angel Tree have until Dec. 14, and may pick up a stocking during township business hours (8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)

Barron said that Caring and Sharing program volunteers will turn the Township’s Council Room into ‘Santa’s Workshop,’ and take care of the wrapping; but gift bags would also be appreciated.

Once wrapping is completed, the Township will deliver the donated gifts directly to the families.

Holiday Meals and Winter Clothing Collection

In addition to the Angel Tree, the Caring and Sharing program, which is yet another township annual tradition, also includes collections for non-perishable food items and winter clothing.

According to Barron, the township is also accepting food donations that would provide holiday meals for township families in need. Preferred non-perishable food items may include:

• Canned vegetables

• Gravy

• Instant Mashed Potatoes

• Stuffing

• Dessert Mixes

• Juice

Winter clothing may also be dropped off in the Caring and Sharing collection bin, located in the township building lobby. Clothing items may include gently worn coats, hats, mittens and gloves of all sizes. According to Barron, the clothes will be distributed to Feel the Warmth of Montgomery County, Salvation Army and the Patrician Society.

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To learn how you can help with the Lower Providence Caring and Sharing Program or to make a monetary donation, contact Karen Barron at 610-635-3553 or stop by the township building.  

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Check out the above media gallery for examples of Angel Tree wish list items.

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