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The Neptune Library’s Angel Tree
By DENISE HERSCHEL
Head upstairs to the second floor of the Neptune Library’s Children’s Department and the first sign of the upcoming Christmas season is their bright and colorful Angel Tree.
Standing a little over three feet tall, this tree has become an annual holiday tradition at the township library, one that both library patrons and library staff, are delighted to see.
“Our tree went up on Mon., Nov. 18. We look forward to it every year,” Kelly Taylor, senior library assistant and Angel Tree coordinator, said. “The Angel Tree program was launched by former Neptune Library Director Marian Bauman 38 years ago. It was her wish to start this program as a way to bring holiday joy to local families in need.”
For the past 36 years, the Angel Tree was located at the circulation desk on the first floor of the library. But last year, the tree was moved upstairs to the children’s department where it has found a new home for the holidays.
“We relocated it upstairs because there was more room there,” she said.
Taylor said library patrons sponsor the tree and the library staff also help out.
“Patrons take a tag or two from the tree with a wish for a child as to what he or she wants for Christmas,” she said. “They take a boy or girl tag and then write their name on the clipboard next to the corresponding tag number. Gifts are to be returned by December 16 unwrapped or in a gift bag or with accompanying wrapping paper with the tag attached.”
A new aspect to the program has been added this year. Each child will receive an ornament with their gift.
The number of tags on the tree this year has increased from 30 tags to 50 tags. The ages of the children are infant to age 13.
According to Taylor, the children’s names are received by referrals from the Division of Child Protection and Permanency. The children are from the Asbury Park and Neptune area.
Taylor said the Angel Tree tradition is scheduled to continue for many years.
“It is important that every child feels special,” she said. “If we can put a smile on a child’s face during the holidays that’s what matters.”
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