Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree connects incarcerated parents, children

Oklahoma: Tammy Franklin knows firsthand how tough it is for kids with a parent in prison, especially during the holidays. She’s been there.

Having been incarcerated herself, she found a way to connect with her kids through the Angel Tree program. This initiative sends gifts to children from their incarcerated parents, and it really made a difference for her family.

Franklin recalls how the volunteers brought joy to her children, which sparked a change in her life. She wondered why these strangers cared so much about her family. It was a real eye-opener.

Now, she’s in a position to give back as the regional director for Prison Fellowship in Oklahoma. This nonprofit helps churches support families affected by incarceration and advocates for justice.

Franklin is on a mission to spread the word about the kids in Oklahoma who could really use the support from the Angel Tree program.

She pointed out that one in 49 kids is affected by incarceration, which can be especially hard during the holidays. Just before Christmas, there were 1,500 kids in Oklahoma who could receive gifts through Virtual Angel Tree donations, which are super helpful for those in remote areas.

Every year, the Angel Tree program teams up with local churches to make sure kids get gifts. The program has been around since the 1980s, but sadly, the number of incarcerated people keeps rising.

Franklin mentioned that they’re always looking for new partners to help reach more families. The gifts, along with a note from the parent, help create connections and hope for these kids.

And it’s not just about Christmas. The churches involved also keep in touch with families throughout the year, offering other programs like Angel Tree camps.

Watching the volunteers during her time in prison inspired Franklin to seek a relationship with God. It made her want to change her life and help others.

She believes that the mission of Prison Fellowship is about encountering Jesus through those who are incarcerated, which extends to their families and communities.

Franklin emphasizes that this is a community issue, affecting not just the incarcerated but also their families, caretakers, and churches.

To help, registration for the 2025 Angel Tree program starts on January 6. You can find more info online.

Also, the Salvation Army in Central Oklahoma is pushing to meet its fundraising goal for the Red Kettle Campaign, which supports local programs for those in need. They’re asking for community support to raise the remaining funds.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Prison Fellowship Angel Tree program continues to impact the community.