Meet the Neighbors Behind Our Angel Tree

One loves video games and cats. Another enjoys gardening and spending time with family. One proudly describes himself as "charming and handsome," while another, when asked what he wanted for Christmas, simply answered, "Nothing."

These are just a few of the people behind the Angels on our Christmas tree at Seconds on the Avenue this holiday season.

Unlike traditional Angel Trees, which often focus on children and families, our Angels are adults who have experienced chronic homelessness and now have a place to call home through the Council of Community Services' Permanent Supportive Housing program.

Each has a unique story, different interests, personal accomplishments, and favorite holiday traditions. This Christmas, we're inviting our community to get to know them a little better.

A Home Is Just the Beginning

For someone who has experienced chronic homelessness, moving into a stable home can be life-changing. But finding housing doesn't mean every challenge disappears.

Permanent Supportive Housing combines long-term housing with ongoing support for individuals who have experienced chronic homelessness and face significant barriers to maintaining housing independently.

At the Council of Community Services, our Phase III residents have a place to call their own while receiving support as they work toward stability and personal goals.

When we asked residents what they were most proud of, their answers reflected just how meaningful those accomplishments can be.

Bryan shared that he is proud of his sobriety and reconnecting with his family. Suzi celebrated getting out of debt and finding a job.

And Anthony? He's proud of having an apartment of his own.

When asked what he wanted for Christmas, Anthony initially said, "Nothing." But when asked what he was proud of, he talked about having his own apartment and everyday household comforts like pillows and blankets. After years of homelessness, those simple things can mean so much.

Now, a few thoughtful touches could help Anthony continue making his apartment feel like home.

Getting to Know the People Behind the Angels

While our residents share an experience with homelessness, that experience doesn't define who they are.

Joseph loves online gaming, Nintendo, and cats. His favorite parts of Christmas are decorating and spending time with friends.

Courtney enjoys painting, coloring, crafting, and reading murder mysteries. She loves Home Alone, Madea movies, and listening to music. Some of her favorite parts of Christmas are giving to others, spending time with family, and reflecting on happy memories.

Another resident enjoys baking mincemeat pie and even makes his own pie crust. He takes pride in treating others with kindness and believes that simple gestures like saying "good morning" and "thank you" can make life better for everyone.

And when asked if there was anything else he'd like people to know about him, he responded:

"It is well known that I am both charming and handsome."

They have favorite movies, hobbies, holiday traditions, and senses of humor. They have things they're proud of and things they're still working toward. And like anyone else, they deserve to feel valued and remembered during the holidays.

Everyone Deserves to Feel Remembered at Christmas

Our community has many wonderful programs that help children and families celebrate Christmas. But adults living on limited incomes, especially those without strong family or social support, can sometimes be overlooked during the holiday season.

That's what inspired our Permanent Supportive Housing Angel Tree.

We wanted to give our residents an opportunity to feel celebrated while inviting the community to learn more about the people and programs behind the Council's work.

Some residents are wishing for practical household items, while others would love clothing, art supplies, video games, or a favorite treat.

But the Angel Tree is about more than the gifts themselves. It's about someone taking the time to learn a little about a neighbor, choose something just for them, and remind them that their community cares.

Be Someone's Angel This Christmas

This holiday season, our Angel Tree is located at Seconds on the Avenue in downtown Gillette.

Community members can stop into the store, browse the tree, and choose an Angel to sponsor. Each ornament includes a little information about the resident, their interests, and their Christmas wishes.

How to participate:

1. Visit Seconds on the Avenue and choose an Angel from the tree.

2. Shop for one or more items from your Angel's wish list.

3. Return gifts, labeled with your Angel's number, to the Council of Community Services office by Friday, December 11, 2026.

   
   

If all of our Angels have been selected, there are still ways to share the Christmas spirit! Community members can donate holiday treats or decorations for Phase III residents, support our annual Christmas Basket program, or provide essentials like socks, gloves, and personal care items for guests staying at our emergency homeless shelter.

Whether you sponsor an Angel or help in another way, you're making the holidays brighter for neighbors right here in our community.

Because everyone deserves to feel remembered at Christmas.