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 Joe Avila’s daughters, Elizabeth and Grace, were six and ten years old when he went away to prison for almost seven years. Today Elizabeth is in college, and Grace is in high school. At a recent Angel Tree event, they spoke about why Angel Tree means so much to them.
Elizabeth: “One of the hardest things was that we were such a close family. I was about to turn 11. And through high school and junior high, I was a cheerleader, so Dad missed my cheerleading at games and competitions. And my first date.
It was hardest around birthdays and holidays and especially Christmas. When he wasn’t there it was hard, especially for my mom.”
Grace: “I was so young when my dad was away. In my elementary years, he missed my school functions and my soccer games. What made it especially hard was when I would see my friends with their fathers—most of them had fathers—at the soccer games and the practices.
“And Christmas was very hard, because every Christmas we went to church together for a special dinner. When Angel Tree began, it was so much better because you’d get a gift.”
Elizabeth: “We had the Angel Tree process explained to us beforehand. We knew what was coming, because my dad told us that we’d all be getting a gift for Christmas. But over the years we received them several different ways. We’d go to parties at the church, which was fun, but some of the best times were when someone personally delivered the gifts. Not only would we see the love from our dad, but we’d see the love from someone we didn’t know—a complete stranger. I felt completely unforgotten. People remembered.”
Grace: “I remember one Christmas when about six volunteers came over. I was with my friends—they all knew about my Dad and where he was. And my friends were surprised to see me get these gifts from him. We had this big party, and my mom made apple cider . . . it was just a fun time. And it wouldn’t have happened without Angel Tree. I’m very thankful.”
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