Twas the night before Christmas when all should be happy. Problems arose between mama and pappy. Things went pear-shaped and turned helter skelter. But we escaped safe, went and stayed in a shelter. When mama worried about where we would live; us kids wondered if Santa would give to those in a shelter on Christmas Eve. There wasn’t a chimney or our own tree where he could leave the present or stocking in this strange place. And as sad as we may be we won’t let mama see it on our face; because we know she is doing the best that she can to make a new life for us and start again. On Christmas morning Santa had found us. The Patchwork Angels gave him our address. The people of Red Deer knew we were in here and made sure Santa found us to spread his good cheer!

Dear Editor,

I’m Angie Garcia, the executive director for The Patchwork Angels. We started the ‘Wrap a Child in Love’ Christmas campaign in 2011 with total success each year but this year I felt compelled to give a huge shout out of gratitude to the community of Red Deer for their amazing donations and helping raise awareness of homelessness in Red Deer.

In October/November we had read that all donations to charities were down quite a bit. Since The Patchwork Angels were a small fish in a huge charity pond here, I was worried we wouldn’t be able to fulfill our commitment this year.

Then I remembered where I live!

Red Deer has a ‘magical gift’ especially during the holiday season that brings the community together when help is required. I have seen it over and over through the years. It’s a hard year for everyone; yet the community of Red Deer know some have it harder than others and don’t hesitate to put those extra dollars to a worthy cause in helping others. That’s what a community does.

Congratulations Red Deer for being a community above the rest!

Thank you from The Patchwork Angels with love and light.

Angie Garcia

Red Deer