Lauren Bailey has been volunteering for the Holiday Basket (angel trees) Program at the Boulder County Fairgrounds since she was in middle school.

“I love it,” she said. “I have memories from when I was young of staying there and watching these families go and get a present they thought they wouldn’t have for Christmas.”

The Holiday Basket Program, sponsored by the St. Vrain Community Council, provides holiday dinner provisions for families living in the St. Vrain Valley School District. Children receive toys donated by those who pick a paper angel from the angel trees at Twin Peaks Mall, Wal-Mart, Kmart and ShopKo.

Now a college student majoring in early childhood and special education at Metro State College, Bailey finds working on the Holiday Basket Program extremely rewarding. “I love the idea that the community comes together and helps out these people,” she said.

For the past five years, Bailey has coordinated toy requests. With gift cards donated by Target, she buys gifts for children whose angel tree tags are not taken. Each child receives a gift no matter what.

“People don’t make the connection between the angel trees around town and the Holiday Basket Program,” Bailey said. “They don’t know the presents they bought were for this.”

“It’s so much fun to watch Lauren work at the fairgrounds, sorting toys and getting so excited about the possibilities of the joy she can offer a child at Christmas,” said Ann Jennings, coordinator of the Holiday Basket Program. “Her enthusiasm is contagious, and she is one of our most reliable and conscientious volunteers.”

Bailey works at the OUR Center’s Infant Care Center and meets disadvantaged people every day. “I see the legitimate needs that they have,” she said.

Since the demand for community resources and charities is up, she expects an increased need for food baskets and gifts this year.

“It’s neat to see people coming in and registering (for baskets),” Bailey said. “We expect a huge turnout and are always looking for more volunteers.”

For information about volunteering with Holiday Basket - St. Vrain Community Council or other agencies, call the Volunteer Connection East at 303-772-5772.