First Posted: 11/24/2014
LAFLIN — Tina Fisher’s favorite Christmas gifts are not the ones she receives, but two special presents she gives, every year, through the Angel Care Project at St. Maria Goretti Church, Laflin.
This year the project began with a simple display set up in the church sanctuary the weekend of Nov. 22 and 23. As the faithful made their way into the church to celebrate mass, they chose a tag representing one of 150 names of needy children, 75 from Catholic Social Services and 75 from Children and Youth Services of Luzerne County.
Choosing the tag, however, was just the beginning. Participants will be shopping in the next two weeks trying to fulfill a short wishlist included on the tag, which includes a toy and an item of clothing.
“I always choose two children, a boy and a girl,” said Fisher, “I try to get them everything on their list.”
This year she will be shopping for a Thomas the Train Engine toy, a baby doll, and other items.
Sue Bechetti organizer of the event, said members of the parish are extremely kind and generous.
“Whenever they are called upon to help, they do,” she said, “we can always count on them.”
She credits the Spiritual Life Committee at the church that make this and other church activities possible.
For Maureen Ledoretti, Plains, the opportunity to chose a name from the display is more then simply a chance to purchase a toy or item of clothing for a needy child to open on Christmas morning. It is a chance to make a youngster’s life during the holiday better if even for a moment.
“I don’t even look to see if it’s a boy or a girl,” said Ledoretti, “I just know each one is a child in need and I know he or she will be extremely grateful.”
Msgr. Neil Van Loon’s weekend sermon seemed to reflect the generous spirit embodied by members of the church.
“We need to treat others that way we would treat Jesus,” Van Loon told attendees of Saturday night’s mass. “He reminded us that whatever we do to the least of our brothers, that we also do unto Him.”
Bechetti said the church recently expanded the project by increasing the number of children it helped from 100 to 150.
“There is never a tag left over,” she said, “If there is, someone is always willing to take an extra tag and purchase gifts for 2 children.”
The wrapped gifts will be returned to the church the weekend of Dec. 6 and 7 and placed under the trumpet angel. They will then be on their way to the hands and hearts of area youngsters who might not otherwise wake up to a gift under the tree.
When asked how the Angel Care project has been assisting area youth, participants cannot remember.
“It seems like it’s been going on forever,” said Ledoretti, “and we’re going keep doing it. Every year.”
