Athens County Children Services P.O. Box 1046 Athens, Ohio 45701 Ph : (740)592-3061 Fax: (740)593-3880

Athens County Children Services and the University Mall are pleased to sponsor the 18th Annual Santa Tree Christmas Project. Last year, the project provided gifts to over 900 children in Athens County. This year more than ever the agency is looking to the Athens community to support this project.

"For hundreds of children, the gifts they receive from this project could be the only gifts they receive." said Andrea Reik, Director, Athens County Children Services. Adding, "For some parents, paying the bills and putting food on the table is all they can do. That's where the Santa Tree Project comes in."

The Santa Tree, whose ornaments will display the first name of a child, their age, and several gift requests, are on display in November at the University Mall, 1002 East State Street. This project relies solely on the generosity of the public, and everyone is invited to select a name from the tree to give a child the opportunity to have a cheerful holiday season.

Andy Ellinger, Public Information Officer, Children Services and coordinator for the project hopes the current economy can continue to support the project as it has in the past. He said, "This year more than any other, we have been overwhelmed with requests." Continuing, "We are hopeful we can provide gifts for everyone."

In the past nineteen years of project, the dedication and contributions from many community individuals, groups, and organizations gave over 8000 deserving children the opportunity to experience a wonderful Christmas morning.

For more information on how to be a part of the Santa Tree Christmas Project, please call Athens County Children Services at (740) 592-3061 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Christmas Project Thanks

The Board and Staff of Athens County Children Services would like to express a sincere thank you to the entire Athens area for their continued support during this past Holiday season. The contributions of many community groups, organizations, and individuals made Christmas morning a wonderful memory for many deserving children.

With the help of local merchants and individual donations the Athens County Women's Club provided gifts for over 100 children in foster care and in their own homes. This project has been the cornerstone of Christmas at Children Services since 1950 and a special thank you goes out to all present and former Women's Club members. This year the 18th Annual University Mall 'Santa Tree' Project provided a special Christmas morning to area children. We thank everyone who purchased gifts and especially the University Mall for providing another opportunity for community involvement in this cause. All of the students from Federal Hocking High School, Time Warner Cable and Starbucks Employees, members of the Secret Angels Group and Browns Backers, and employees from seven Ohio University Departments donated gifts for children. AM Rotary, PARR, the O’Bleness Hospital Care Bear Tree Project, the Athens Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the All Riders Motorcycle Club, Dollar General (The Plains), Kimes Nursing Home and students and employees from the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine also made gift contributions to us. The Benefit ATV Trail Ride, Power 105 Benefit Concert, and the Dan Dowler Memorial Golf Tournament provided cash and toy donations totaling more than $15,000 for children and families.

We again received gifts for children from a multitude of other caring individuals. A large number of personal, group, and organizational donations all helped to make this the best Holiday season ever. Thanks to you we were able to help close to 1000 youngsters and provide a wonderful Christmas for all.

From all who received gifts to those who gave of themselves, thank you very much. The love, joy, and thoughtfulness shown by the people in the region for the children of Athens County is sincerely appreciated!