Hometown Angels makes a difference in the lives of children

“Hometown Angels” began as a dream and collaboration of three Gatesville women some 21 years ago. Lorri McDaniel, Michele Holden, and R’Lue Gribble saw the need to make a difference in the lives of children during the holidays.

Each year, a tree is placed at Rancher’s Steak House with cards attached with the names of children whose parents may be facing difficult times during the holiday season. The cards contain the first name of a child and their “wish list.” The names are provided by a reliable source and with the approval of parents. Gatesville residents choose a card from the tree, purchase the gifts, and return them to Rancher’s in time for the holidays.

There are so many kids in the Gatesville community with parents who lose jobs, and they just can’t afford Christmas gifts. That’s why the three ladies decided to step in and help. They try to divide it up so that each child gets five gifts – two clothing outfits, three toys, and a coat.

Often using money out of their own pockets, Hometown Angels also furnishes stockings filled with candy, small toys, and Bibles. They wrap everything and deliver the gifts to families who put the gifts away for Christmas and let Santa Claus bring them.

Hometown Angels look to provide gifts for between 100 and 125 children each year. Every day when the trio get off work from their regular jobs, they go back to work until 9 or 10 p.m. every evening separating gifts and getting stockings ready, because they must have everything delivered by a certain date. It’s hard work, but they wouldn’t change it for the world.

Hometown Angels has been busy during the last week getting the gifts delivered to families in the surrounding area. Last year, one of the three co-founders, Michele Holden said, “It really makes you feel good, especially when you can tell the family is appreciative. Sometimes we walk away with tears in our eyes.”