The Adopt an Angel program's annual gift drive has served young people in Alameda County each year since 1987.

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Angel of Christmas
VOLUNTEER PAIRS GIFTS, NEEDY KIDS

ever wonder where Santa's elves store and wrap toys for Christmas?

For more than 1,000 neglected and abused kids in Alameda County each year, it's done in a warehouse in Union City by elves that organize themselves under the name Adopt an Angel.

Georgia Butterfield is co-chair of the non-profit organization that has been brightening the holidays for these children since 1987. She says figuring out who gets what gift is like ``putting together a puzzle.''

She dedicates two months each year to fulfilling children's Christmas wishes, juggling requests with donations and available resources. Alameda County Child Protective Services provides the names of children in shelters and group homes -- kids who have been molested, beaten or simply discarded.

While many children ask for toys and other fun gifts, it's not unusual to get requests for the kind of things most kids take for granted: blankets, underwear, school supplies. One year, a 7-year-old boy asked only for a tie to wear to church.

Whatever the wish, Georgia makes it her mission to see that these young people aren't forgotten during the holidays. And each child gets more than one thing to open on Christmas morning. ``For many kids, these are the only gifts they get,'' she says.

Each donation of $25 (5A) will pay for presents for one child. A $5 donation (5B) will provide wrapping and tape for about 15 presents. Each $10 gift (5C) will go into a fund to purchase batteries for electronic toys.