Angel TreesThe Falcon Exchange Club members commend the Child Abuse Prevention Committee, chaired by Ursula Miller, and committee members for setting up ìAngel Treesî at various locations throughout El Paso County. Each tree was donned with a little tree, angel or paper ornament that described a desired gift for a foster child or veteran. All who participated by choosing a tag and responding with a wrapped gift have spread joy among many. Exchange Club committee members eagerly delivered each gift to places such as Hope & Home for Foster Kids, Lutheran Family Services for foster kids and Am Vets at Laurel Manor Care.Jill Archer from Lutheran Family Services and Michael Beenenga from†Hope & Home expressed their heartfelt thanks for this annual event.On Jan. 13, at a regular meeting of the Exchange Club, Angel Tree hosts throughout the county were recognized with certificates of appreciation. Falcon hosts were US Bank, Falcon State Bank, Farmers State Bank, Creek View Grill at Antlers Creek, Rock Solid Chiropractic, along with two residents who contributed money toward the program.Marylou Crabill: Exchangite of the YearThe Exchangite of the Year is a Falcon Exchange Club member who has performed as in an exemplary manner, supporting the values and goals of the organization through ongoing participation in the clubís activities. Marylou Crabill was selected as Exchangite of the Year for 2014.Marylouís qualities have shined as co-chairwoman of the Child Abuse Prevention Committee. Her assistance with the well known ìAngel Treeî project during the Christmas season resulted this year in more than 1,390 gifts being collected and distributed to foster children through Hope and Home and Lutheran Family Services; and another 1,015 gifts, candies, crackers, popcorn and mixed nuts to veterans at Laurel Manor Nursing Home She also made baked goods for the vets and helped pass out gifts at the veteransí Christmas Party, hosted by The Exchange Club. At the annual Falcon Craft Fair for Charity event, Marylou is the attendance counter. Additionally, she managed the Golf Tournament Putting Contest, as well as volunteering as the ìgoodie bagî stuffer.As an active member of the Youth Committee, Marylou evaluates student applications and makes recommendations for Youth of the Month and Youth of the Year awards, often making these presentations at the clubís meetings. Always a willing worker, she supports other organizational projects throughout the year, making her a reliable and valued member of ìAmericaís Service Clubî ó The Exchange Club.
