To the Editor:

Could you imagine not being able to afford to buy holiday gifts for your own children?  As a mother of two, I know that I cannot even begin to understand what some parents are feeling this time of year. 

It is very easy to forget how so many are struggling even to put food on their table, not just for the holidays, but every day.

There is truly no better way to celebrate the holiday season than to share the spirit of giving. So each year, the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce holds a Holiday Angel Program.  The chamber adopts families from within the Guilderland School District to provide them with gifts, food, and clothing that they may not be able to afford.

With the help of the school nurses, “wish lists” are provided.  The Guilderland Chamber along with its business members, fill the wish lists of the families in need.  Some of these items include hats, gloves, boots, and coats. Wrapped gifts and gift cards come back to the chamber, and we get them back to the schools and the proper families.

Each year, the chamber adopts 20 to 30 families within the Guilderland and Altamont area.  This could not be done without the support and generosity of our local businesses and community members.  If anyone is interested in donating a gift for one of our families, please contact the chamber at 518-456-6611.

Linda Fahd
Membership Associate
Guilderland Chamber of Commerce