The spirit of giving is once again shining bright across Pahrump as Something Positive and Positive Pahrump launch their annual Angel Tree and Toy Drive—now in its 15th year. What began in 2011 as a small local effort to help families in need has grown into a beloved community tradition, touching hundreds of lives each holiday season.
“This program has always been about community helping community,” said founder Stephanie Avena. “Our Angel Trees are designed to supplement Christmas for families that just need a little extra help, while the toy drive ensures that others who are really struggling still have a holiday to celebrate.”
This year’s Angel Trees can be found at Floyd Elementary, Hafen Elementary, J.G. Johnson Elementary, and Pahrump Valley High School, with a total of 242 angels waiting to be adopted. J.G. Johnson alone has 97 angels—each one representing a local child between the ages of 5 and 18.
The wishes hanging from the trees are both heartwarming and humbling. “Most of the lists are very simple—Barbie dolls, Hello Kitty, La Bu Bu dolls, and clothing,” Avena shared. “One angel from PVHS really moved me—a 17-year-old who asked for a Bible, socks, and bedding. It’s heartbreaking and humbling to realize how often the things we take for granted are someone else’s Christmas wish.”
Community members who adopt an angel are encouraged to purchase all three items listed, though many go above and beyond. On average, gifts range around $50, depending on the donor’s generosity. All gifts should be wrapped, with the angel tag securely attached, and returned to the same school where it was picked up by Friday, December 1, no later than 2:00 p.m.
After taking a six-year break, Avena and her team revived the program last year, bringing back a cherished holiday tradition that has once again filled classrooms, offices, and homes with joy. “We may be a small community,” Avena said, “but when it comes to giving, Pahrump’s heart is huge.”
The holiday giving doesn’t stop there. Something Positive and Positive Pahrump will also host their annual Toy Drive on Friday, December 6, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Walmart parking lot. Community members are invited to drop off new, unwrapped toys to help bring Christmas joy to local children who might otherwise go without.
Anyone wishing to make a difference this holiday season can visit one of the participating schools to select an angel from the tree—or stop by the Walmart toy drive—to help make Christmas a little brighter for a local child in need.
