Thirty-two years of service to Palo Pinto County
MINERAL WELLS—A couple of years ago I wrote about the origin of our local Christmas Angel Tree. Just in case you missed it or would like to read it again, here is the history of Tommy’s Angel Tree. It’s a heart warmer.
Decades ago, a kind and considerate police officer finds a destitute family, calls his mama and asks her if she can fix them a meal. He then goes to other family members to ask for clothes to donate.
He also takes up a collection from his fellow officers to give this family enough to sustain them for the week, until he can make other arrangements. And it happened right here in Palo Pinto County.
In 1990, Mineral Wells Police Officer Tommy Parker found this family shortly before Christmas. Parker was a native of Mineral Wells and his dad was also with the MWPD.
Parker was not only an officer, but a volunteer firefighter as well. He was a kind man with hopes of having a little officer of his own one day.
So he made sure this family had a holiday season with food, clothes, gifts and smiles. The little girl of the family, Sharon, still remembers the doll he gave her that Christmas.
In 1991, Parker was connecting a hose to a fire hydrant when he collapsed and died. It was a shock to all who knew him because he seemed to be the picture of health.
As his family grieved, they discussed a fitting memorial for Parker and they all remembered his kindness to the family in need during the holidays. They decided to start Tommy’s Angel Tree to benefit the children of Palo Pinto County. In 1992 the Angel Tree was established.
Thirty-two years later the kind heart of Tommy Parker lives on. Many Mineral Wells families are looking forward to a wonderful holiday season thanks to the dedicated efforts of Tommy’s sister-in-law, Connie Parker, the Mineral Wells Fire/EMS Department, police department and other organizations, the generosity of our community and the hard work of volunteers.
And by the way, the little girl, Sharon? She comes every year to help with the sorting, wrapping, labeling, and delivery of all the gifts. She even brings her daughter to join in the festivities.
Tommy Angel Tree sign-ups:
• Nov. 19, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
• Nov. 25, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
• Nov. 30, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
• Deadline: Nov. 30 at 4 p.m.
Who: Underprivileged children 12 and under of Palo Pinto County
Where: Steve Perdue Training Center, 300 S. Oak Ave., Mineral Wells
Parents: Please bring picture ID, proof of income and proof of residency. Also, please have an original or certified birth certificate and social security cards. No copies will be accepted.
Delivery will be on Dec. 21 starting at 8 a.m. Please be home. Pick-ups are 9 a.m. – noon.
For more information, call 940-325-7105 and leave a voicemail.
And if you are looking for a blessing this Christmas, call that same number below and ask about volunteering. After all, isn’t giving the true meaning of Christmas? The gift of time and talent is always priceless.
Merry Christmas!
