Jessica’s Angel Tree Story
“Good night, Daddy. I love you.”
Jessica spoke to the Christmas card written by her father that was stuck to the wall by her bed. The card had arrived at Christmas, together with a teddy bear that the two year-old named Barnaby. They were both precious to her, particularly as Daddy had not been home for a while.
Jessica is one of around 200,000 children in England and Wales affected by parental imprisonment every year — more than double the number impacted by divorce in their family.
At this time of year, it’s a privilege to bring joy to children like Jessica through Angel Tree. Our dedicated volunteers enable prisoners to improve family relationships by sending a purchased, wrapped gift to their children at Christmas. Children are overjoyed to receive a gift from their parent — and the chances of their parents reoffending are reduced.
Jessica also liked to read the Christian storybook that prisoners can choose to have included in the Angel Tree package — hers was a picture book illustrating the things that God has given us. But the most important thing was that her Daddy sent her a Christmas card.
Each Angel Tree package costs £20 including postage and packing. And, thanks to donations from people like you, we are planning to put smiles on the faces of thousands of children this Christmas.
At this special time of year, you can give the child of a prisoner a remarkable gift — a Christmas present from their parent in prison.
This December, we’ll be making Christmas more joyful for over 5,000 children. As Jessica’s grandfather told me, “your kindness and compassion will always be a precious memory — and testimony to the deep value of Angel Tree.”
Jessica’s father has been home for two years now, but the Christmas card he sent still has pride of place on her wall. And, three Christmases after he arrived, Barnaby is still cuddled every night. She can’t remember much about how Barnaby appeared, but she knows her Daddy sent him and recalls her joy at receiving him.
Will you bring joy to a family separated by a prison sentence this Christmas? Just £20 allows us to send a personalised gift to a child with a mum or dad in prison, on their behalf. Become an Angel to someone this Christmas.
P.S. Throughout December, your donation will be matched by generous philanthropists – double your donation, double the joy!
