The Howard Rotary Chapter and Chapter R P.E.O., Howard, have joined forces to sponsor the Elk Co Community Angel Tree Program this year. Children who live within the geographic boundary of or are enrolled at USD 282 or USD 283 qualify for Angel Tree placement based upon need. Each approved application and Angel is given an identifying number; their names will remain anonymous. Each Angel contains information and gift wishes that are displayed at Batson’s Family Market in Howard or Longton City Hall in Longton. Sponsors select an Angel and buy presents for that child. The gifts will be wrapped and delivered to a central location in Howard, Moline, Elk City, and Longton before school is dismissed for winter break.
Applications have been delivered to the West Elk District Office and the Elk Valley District Office. They are also available at the Longton City Hall, Howard City Hall, Batson’s Community Market, and Moline City Library. Applicants need to fill out the applications and return to their school office, Batson’s Family Market, Howard City Hall, Longton City Hal or Moline City Library by Nov. 13. Angel Tree sponsors can pick up Angels at Batson’s Family Market or Longton City Hall starting Nov. 16. Angel Tree gifts need to be returned by Dec. 8. Gifts do not need to be wrapped; members of the Rotary and P.E.O. and community volunteers will wrap and distribute the gifts. Volunteers will meet at the Cox Building in Howard at 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 16 to wrap gifts and prepare for distribution. Gifts will be distributed to families on Dec. 17 or 18.
The generosity of the Elk Co Community allowed 62 children between the ages of 6 months to 17 years to receive gifts during the Christmas season 2025. Angel Tree sponsors are grateful for the generous donations made by community members and look forward to a successful Angel Tree Program this Christmas.
