Many parents will be making plans for presents for their children at Christmas. In some households, presents are probably already bought, wrapped and hidden Spare then a thought for the 200,000 children whose parents are in prison. They are innocent and do not deserve judgement for their parents’ behaviour.
This is where Angel Tree seeks to help. Local Prison Fellowship volunteers raise funds and work with churches and prison chaplains to buy and deliver the presents. As long as they are allowed access to their children, prisoners can apply for a gift to be sent to each child, which is accompanied by a personal written message. If the parent wishes, a Christian story book is also sent.
Gospel concerts, coffee mornings and fashion shows are among some of the enjoyable events that have been held. A step of faith is required in believing that the amounts raised will provide up to 100 gifts in any one prison plus postage and packing, sometimes overseas. Around one in 15 children will experience their father’s imprisonment before they leave school and the number of mothers in prison is also increasing.
Angel Tree is a simple and incredibly rewarding way to help prisoners keep contact with their families which has been shown to reduce re-offending.
You can find out more at www.prisonfellowship.org.uk/contact.
Annie Robinson
St Peter’s, Heversham and Free Methodist Church, Carnforth
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