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| Holiday Angels Take Flight at MITRE December 2003
When the holidays arrive each year, a team of angels gets busy at MITRE's Bedford location. For the fifth year in a row, Mary Lou Sicard is managing the "Angel Tree" program in Bedford. The nearby Salvation Army chapter in Lowell, Mass., sends Sicard the names and wish lists of approximately 300 underprivileged children, who are hoping for a little something on Christmas morning. Their requests are relatively modest, from a new pair of mittens to a favorite plush toy character. Sicard and a merry band of elves, including Darlene Burke and Bonnie Davies, code tags with each child's name and string them on Christmas trees located in the five lobbies around campus. Anyone at MITRE is welcome to pick a name off tree, shop for the desired items, and place the gift-wrapped goodies back under the tree. About one week before Christmas, a Salvation Army van chugs around campus, picking up the presents from each lobby and delivering them to the children. Sicard says that those at MITRE who participate in the Angel Tree program are just as thankful for the opportunity to lend a helping hand as the children are when they receive their gifts. "One woman told me how appreciative she was of this program, because she wants to help a needy child every year during the holidays, but she never has had the time to seek out a child on her own. Another person told me he likes the idea of knowing the youngster’s first name, so he has an idea of whose holiday he is brightening." Sicard credits all of those who pitch in to make the Angel Tree drive a success, from the volunteers who help set up the trees to the generous people who pluck a tag off and return a few days later to place colorfully-wrapped presents back underneath. "The receptionists in each lobby are especially helpful, because they field questions about the trees and keep the team up-to-date on what's happening," she points out. MITRE is just one of the many companies in the area that participate in the Salvation Army's Angel Tree program. Last year, a total of 1,800 children were assisted by the Lowell chapter alone. Sicard says she was familiar with the project before she arrived at MITRE, and she encouraged the company to get involved because of the uncomplicated generosity of the program. "The Salvation Army doesn't serve any one population or group—it helps anyone at all who is in need," she explains. "And there is very little overhead in their organization. You are directly helping out someone who truly appreciates it."
Page last updated: July 30, 2004 | Top of page |
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