• Engage a group of volunteers to assist in the planning so that all responsibilities do not fall to one person.

• Prior to each event, determine how many you want to invite and recruit enough volunteers so the event runs smoothly.

• Select the date and invite the guests of honor with adequate lead-time.

• Pray for God's guidance and blessing.

• Share the Gospel and Jesus Christ's message of love with the children and their families while hosting the event or activity.

Back to School Event

Determine the gender, grade and number of children you wish to serve and purchase the required school supplies. Providing extra support during specific times in the year can relieve caregivers from added financial pressures and ensures children have the supplies they need.

Family Fun Day

Food, moon bounce, face painting, games, whatever. This is a day to introduce Angel Tree families to other families in your church. It's a time to get together to simply have fun, meet new people, and build deeper relationships.

Caregiver's (Mom's) Night Out

Providing caregivers with an opportunity to enjoy a respite from the children and the company of other adults is usually a rare and welcomed luxury. Organize onsite daycare for the children and consider having the initial ‘Mom's Night Out' at the church in order to decrease potential anxiety from leaving the children.

Letter Writing Club

Writing letters is often the best form of communication between children and their incarcerated parents because it is less expensive and allows both the child and parent to think through what they want to say to each another. To make the process smoother, spend time in a group or one-on-one setting discussing important things to include in the letter. Be sure to obtain each parent's Department of Corrections (DOC) number and mailing address for the facility, and find out what rules the prison has on sending mail. For example, some facilities allow photographs to be sent while others don't.

Prison Visits

Parental visits have proven to be a successful tool for reconciliation. However, proper preparation is vital to ensure the child and incarcerated parent are ready for the visit. Communication is key. Be sure to determine the available visiting days, the parents' status for visits within the facility, and their desire to have the children visit. Communicate with the caregiver about the visit to determine preparedness of the child, and consider bringing the caregiver along for at least the first few visits to support the child and reduce any fears and anxiety. Provide an opportunity for the child and parent to talk about their experience afterwards.

Book/Reading Club

There are a number of books related to children living with an incarcerated parent. (Refer to http://www.activeparenting.com/prisonprograms.htm for ideal reading material.) Giving the children an opportunity to hear about how other kids cope with similar experiences can prove very helpful. Utilizing additional books to share the gospel or moral values is also a great way to begin. During the event (typically at the end) allow the children to talk about their thoughts on the book. Also provide time for them to write or draw what they think as some children may not want to share verbally. Consider sharing the children's thoughts with the incarcerated parent.

Movie Night

Hosting a movie night does not need to be at a theater. Converting a classroom or fellowship hall into a comfortable environment will allow children to relax and enjoy a special event they may not normally get to experience.

Other ideas include:

• Inviting Angel Tree children and caregivers to join in your church's existing youth or adult ministries, Vacation Bible School (VBS), and special worship services, events and activities

• Providing inspirational books or magazine subscriptions, caregiver Christmas gifts, Thanksgiving Day cards or food basket.

• Starting an after-school or tutoring program

• Sending birthday cards to the children

• Identifying and meeting specific needs (food/meals, house painting, etc.)

• Sending Angel Tree children to a Christian summer camp

Prison Fellowship also provides training, tools and resources to help your church extend and deepen its Angel Tree ministry in two specific ways: Camping and Mentoring.