What is Angels on Earth Giving Tree?
The Angels on Earth Giving Tree Program has operated for over 25 years in River Falls, WI; its roots trace back to a group of women at St. Bridget Catholic Church. The women wanted to help provide gifts to local families in need at Christmas time. The program has grown and evolved over the years to better serve the community.
Rita Mountain was the coordinator of the Giving Tree for over 17 years. It was Rita’s organizational skills, dedication and hard work that made the program so successful. Rita passed away January 20, 2016 from pancreatic cancer. During her illness she often referred to people that helped her during this time as her ‘angels on earth.’ To honor and remember Rita the program’s name was changed from The Ecumenical Giving Tree Program to The Angels on Earth Giving Tree Program.
The Angels on Earth Giving Tree Program has now partnered with Assistance and Resource Center, Inc (ARC) to provide for families in the River Falls School District during the Christmas season.
Many local churches assist with this program by adopting families: St. Bridget Catholic Church, Ezekiel Lutheran Church, First Congregational Church, First Covenant Church and the Assembly of God Church. The River Falls American Legion, Sharing Families Program, area businesses and school groups also provide assistance.
It is the generous community of River Falls that makes the magic happen. Through donations, gifts, and/or volunteer hours, this program is possible due to our community’s combined efforts!
