The Department of Public Safety’s Good Cheer Committee is gearing up to provide food, toys and other essentials to needy children and their families at Christmas time.

Public Safety's Angel Tree will be up after Thanksgiving and individuals are encourage to come by and pick an angel. The gifts need to be back by Dec. 14 for delivery the following week.

The Good Cheer Committee was formed in November 1992 for the purpose of identifying and helping victims of crime and the needy who need help during the holidays. Christmas should be a happy, festive time, but for some it may be stressful and disappointing because they are unable to afford Christmas dinner and presents for family members. E

ach year the committee has provided gifts, gift certificates, clothing, and groceries which include everything needed for a complete turkey dinner. The families that are helped will not get assistance from any other source.

During Christmas of 1997, 40 area families were assisted.