From The Washington Post-
Ronnie Boyd, 42, was at a crossroads when he walked out of the Arlington County jail this time last year. His release meant he would be able to see his two children for the holidays, but it also meant that because he was unemployed, he had few gifts to offer them.
Then he learned of Offender Aid and Restoration's Project Christmas Angel, which provides gifts for children of inmates or those recently released from jail. Through the Arlington agency's program, Boyd's son and daughter received gifts with handwritten notes from their father last year.
"The most important thing for me was to see the smiles on their faces, knowing that I was able to make them happy even under these circumstances," Boyd said.
People who work in OAR's programs or are in need are also eligible to have gifts donated to their families. Project Christmas Angel, which has provided offenders' children with gifts for more than 20 years, gave three gifts each to 412 children last year.
The gifts come with personalized cards from parents and do not mention how they were purchased. Children often have no idea that OAR has provided the presents, said Elizabeth Jones, the group's director of development and special projects.
More here-
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/16/AR2009121601285.html
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