DOWNEY - The Angel Tree committee at St. Raymond's Catholic Church welcomed more than 300 kids from Downey on Sunday to present them with Christmas gifts they may not otherwise have received.Each child was presented a wrapped present that included a specific article of clothing and toy that each child had requested after a meeting with Santa Claus. The Angel Tree committee provided food, with entertainment from the church choir. Organizers said it was the largest number of kids the committee has helped in its 12-year history. Angel Tree has "adopted" more than 3,000 children during its history. "Thank you to our parishioners and school who reached out with all their hearts," said Councilman Mario Guerra, an Angel Tree committee member who is also a deacon in the Catholic church. "And to so many others like the Warren High Impact Club who made such a lasting memory for all. "But special thanks go out to our amazing Angel Tree committee. Your love and dedication are amazing and it truly shows."

********** Published: December 22, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 36