Teen Aids Task Force Holiday Angels

Holiday Angels helps hundreds of families each year by providing them with necessities such as socks, coats and toiletries. Jamesville-Dewitt High School students on Teen Aids Task Force (TATF) contribute to make Holiday Angels a great success.

Each Christmas season TATF "takes in" a family of about six members that has been affected by HIV or AIDS in someway and lacks the resources to buy everyday items. Each member will bring in an item, then Melissa Moore, J-DHS health teacher and club advisor, drops the presents off at Aids Community Resources (ACR) where they are given to the family.

Even though TATF doesn't give the presents in person, they know that they've made a family's holiday more enjoyable. Mrs. Moore knows that Holiday Angels has a positive impact each year and says she feels good to give back, especially to a family affected by such a terrible disease.

Junior Monica King feels "exhilarated" after completing Holiday Angels. Senior Ian Gilchriest admits he feels a warming sensation in his heart. " It feels great to help a family in need and I know the family feels a sense of gratitude," said Junior Jayla Greene. If re-elected, Junior President Cady Purcell plans to continue Holiday Angels next year.

Holiday Angels has an amazing impact on the families, says Will Murtaugh, director of special projects and development at ACR. ACR started the Holiday Angels program in 1994 and participation has grown each year. " It is a wonderful program for the individuals and families we serve," said Mr. Murtaugh.