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Aquinas Advent Angel Program Helps Christmas Wishes Come True

Aquinas faculty members Anne Planchak, Jo Clausen, Patrick Landry, and Gretta Wheeler wrap Advent Angel gifts for "adopted" families in need in our community.

The spirit of helping those in need is thriving at St. Thomas Aquinas Regional School.  The faculty and staff Advent Angel program is in its sixth year of sponsoring families in need in the community at Christmas.  For a number of years, the faculty and staff surprised each other with small gifts during Advent.  In 2002, Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Kitty Brever presented a new idea to the faculty, staff, and administration - an outreach Advent Angel program of adopting two to three families at Christmas to help make their Christmas wishes and needs come true.  The faculty, staff, and administration fully supported the exciting idea and started a new annual tradition of a community outreach program to help families in need at Christmas.  With the help of Mr. John McNeil of the St. Vincent de Paul Center in Woodbridge, VA, several families were “adopted” by the Aquinas faculty and staff.    

Coordinated by Kindergarten teacher Mrs. Libby Lawler, the faculty and staff are given the first names, ages, sizes, and wishes of the adopted family members before Thanksgiving so they can start shopping for sales.  The identity of the family name is kept confidential.  The faculty and staff hold an after school “wrapping party” during the last week of school before Christmas.  While enjoying Christmas music and refreshments, the faculty and staff wrap their Advent Angel gifts.  Over the years, the faculty and staff have provided clothing, coats, shoes, gift certificates, and toys to families in need at Christmas.  This year’s list of wishes includes 4 bikes and helmets for a family with 4 children. 

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