Wishes Fulfilled at Morningside Retirement Community in Fullerton

Residents of Morningside, the continuing care retirement community in Fullerton, wrapped more than 200 Christmas presents yesterday for the children served by Crittenton Services for Children and Families in Fullerton as part of Crittenton’s Angel Tree gift drive. This was the fourth year residents and staff from Morningside and Park Vista, the adjacent health center, participated in the holiday event.

The residents and staff, along with volunteers from Crittenton, wrapped dolls, sports equipment and toys, as well as gift cards and other items for older kids and teens. Residents and staff selected a young person’s “wish” from the Crittenton Angel Tree, purchased the gifts and spent the afternoon wrapping them in Morningside’s Lakeview Hall. The gifts were delivered to Crittenton where they will be distributed to the kids at the group’s holiday party.

Crittenton Services is a non-profit social services agency whose mission is to heal the wounds of abuse and neglect, strengthen families, and help troubled adolescents reach their full potential.

“The Angel Tree program offers our residents and staff the opportunity to tap into the very heart of the holidays by bringing joy to needy children in our community,” said Melody McFadden, director of accounting for Morningside and organizer of the annual event. “For some kids, the Angel Tree gift is the only one they will receive this year. We want the Crittenton kids to know people in the community do care and we are here for them.”