Prison Fellowship Angel Tree
By: Sydney Hart, KARK 4 News
Updated: December 19, 2007
This Christmas an estimated 25,000 children will spend the holiday away from either their mom or dad.The reason, their parents are in prison.
But in an effort to keep parents involved in their loved ones life over 4,300 kids will get presents under the tree thanks to a prison ministry.
Former inmate, Arnold Taylor, says Angel Tree is an answer to prayer.
"I had a 12 year sentence of DWI and felony fleeing and then a total of two years," says Arnold.
Arnold Taylor knows what it's like to serve time behind bars
"It wasn't that joyful and I missed him really bad," remembers his 10 year old daughter, Kaleigh Taylor.
Arnold says simple things like buying presents for his little girl were on hold, "Like I said being incarcerated there's nothing you can do."
This year Arnold is home with his wife and daughter, Kaleigh, but says last Christmas was joyful thanks to local people who gave to the Angel Tree.
"We're in prison and these folks want to buy our kids presents. It was a God thing," adds Arnold.
Arnold and his wife admit they were skeptical at first, but thankful come Christmas day.
"They brought presents straight to our door. And my little girl was full of joy and it put joy in my heart," says Arnold.
"They helped brighten up the season and made me feel better that she was going to have something to open up," adds Angie Taylor, Arnold's mom.
Arnold has been home for the last 32 days and between going to church and decorating the family tree Kaleigh and her dad are returning the favor this holiday season.
"They don't need to not have presents. I want them to have a good Christmas like I would have," says Kaleigh.
