Giving Tree Benefits the Redlands Christian Migrant Academy

Prince of Peace Catholic Church has been collecting gifts for the students at the Redlands Christian Migrant Academy (RCMA) in Wimauma for the past 10 years. RCMA is a free bilingual public charter school serving students from Kindergarten through Grade 8.

Every year we set up a "Giving Tree" in the narthex (lobby) of the church, adorned with ornaments, each of which lists either a male or female child and their grade. Our parishioners take one or more of these ornaments and purchase an age-appropriate gift for the child. We also have ornaments that list "Family" for those who wish to assist an entire family.

This year we distributed 400 ornaments and collected gifts for every child and for several families. There were over 40 large bags of gifts that were picked up by a school bus filled with 8th graders the morning of Tuesday, December 16th. It was wonderful to experience the energy and excitement of these children as they went about loading the gifts into the bus, wishing everyone a Merry Christmas as they proceeded in and out of the Conesa Center, Prince of Peace's parish life facility.

That afternoon we were fortunate to have Santa and Mrs. Claus on hand to distribute gifts to the littlest ones in Kindergarten and First Grade. We saw lots of eyes twinkling with excitement as the kiddos were offered gifts by Santa. Many not only stood for a photo with the Clauses, but they also turned an hugged Santa. One girl was overheard saying, "I've been praying for this for a long time!"
Our heartfelt thanks to the very generous members of Prince of Peace, who made this project such a huge success. This was definitely our best year ever in regards to the number of gifts and gift cards collected. Please know that you have all brought great joy to these beautiful children.

Special thanks to our dedicated volunteers who made this happen: Christine Maentz, John & Colette Killebrew, Pat Bulcavage and Gerri Luppo.