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Pawnee Valley Campus Angel Tree available to bring Christmas spirit to families
Pawnee Valley Angel Tree 2020
Lori Milch decorates the Angel Tree at The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus. Those who want to participate in the project need to act soon.

LARNED — There is still a little time to share some Christmas spirit by supporting the local Angel Tree that provides clothing for children who could use a helping hand.

The Angel Tree is located in the lobby of The University of Kansas Health System Pawnee Valley Campus, 923 Carroll, in Larned.

The angelic tree ornaments represent particular children. Coded numbers, not names, are used to identity the youngsters. Their ages, clothing sizes and favorite colors are indicated. Anyone who wants to select an angel is encouraged to do so as soon as possible.

“However, due to the many COVID-19 precautions in place, we would like to limit the traffic in the hospital as much as possible,” said Lori Milch, coordinator of the Angel Tree project and health record analyst. “Therefore, people are welcome to call me to request an angel if they prefer not to come in.”

Milch’s numbers are 620-285-8857 and 620-923-5643.

Unwrapped gifts should be delivered to the hospital by Friday, Dec. 4. Even though gifts are not wrapped, it would be helpful if they are boxed. 

“We have been offering the Angel Tree here for many, many years with the support of the hospital’s Auxiliary,” Milch noted. “They help us with clothing donations and collecting boxes and wrapping paper, as well as wrapping the gifts.

“Pawnee Valley employees love to get involved with this and other community projects. We appreciate Auxiliary members and everyone else who has helped in any way to make this Christmas season special for local and area families.”

The Angel Tree Project also collaborates with the Lions Club and Larned High School. While the hospital collects clothing, the Lions donate food and the school concentrates on toys.

“We collect clothing for the children in families that apply to the Lions Club for a little help during the holidays,” Milch explained. “The high school has its own tree to help them collect toys.

“This amazing teamwork says a lot about our community,” she added. “We all want to work together to support one another during the holidays and throughout the year.”