Christmas Clearing Council (CCC) of Waukesha County recently announced the 2011recipients of its annual Angel Awards which recognize people, businesses, organizations and groups for their strong dedication and support on behalf of CCC. 

CCC established the annual Angel Awards in 2006 to recognize those in the community who, through special acts of generosity, further the CCC mission of helping
families celebrate a more joyful Christmas. Each year the CCC board of directors selects an outstanding individual, youth group, community organization and business to receive the award.

The following recipients were presented the Angel Award for the 2011 season: CCC office volunteers – Community Group; Waukesha West High School and Waukesha North High School Students Against Destructive Decision (S.A.D.D.) clubs – Youth Award; West Wood Health & Fitness – Business Award; Dan Calvano, Waukesha – Individual Award.

The CCC office volunteers are a vital part of the organization’s mission to help families struggling with financial challenges. Fifty-two office volunteers worked a combined 1,020 hours in 2011 to provide helpful and knowledgeable assistance on the phone, process paperwork and complete many other tasks. “Our volunteers’ dedication to the families we serve is truly heartwarming. Not only do they spend time in the office, they also sponsor families, donate funds, collect toys, manage toys sites, and sometimes run out to buy that special gift card to ensure every child receives the gift they most desire. They are all angels!” said Ruth Jones, CCC’s executive director.

The S.A.D.D. clubs of Waukesha West and Waukesha North High Schools have been representing CCC in the Waukesha Christmas Parade since 2009. “By participating in the parade dressed as Candyland or Toy Story characters and candy canes over the years, they have helped us communicate the need to serve children in low-income families and provide a wonderful example of true giving spirit,” said Jones.

Over the last decade, West Wood has participated as an official toy drop-off site for the CCC annual toy drive and worked along with CCC as the official site of a one-day toy drive promotion in previous years. West Wood staff and members have also sponsored families and children by obtaining gift lists, shopping and delivering toys. “We are so grateful for our partnership with West Wood. They should be proud of the wonderful work they do every year to help deserving Waukesha County children experience the special magic of Christmas,” said Mary Rode, CCC board member.

Dan Calvano of Waukesha is a longtime CCC volunteer who has transported toys from various collection sites around the county to stock CCC’s annual Toy Shop that serves children who have not been sponsored by individuals or community groups. “Dan provides a vital service for us that is greatly appreciated, not only by us but also by so many excited children on Christmas morning,” said Jones.

About Christmas Clearing Council

Celebrating its 60^th anniversary in 2009, the Christmas Clearing Council of Waukesha County is a nonprofit group that matches needy families with individuals and groups who want to help on a person-to-person basis during the
holiday season. Families who are not matched with sponsors are invited to CCC's annual Toy Shop, stocked with donated items, to shop for their children. In 2011 more than 4,500 Waukesha County children from more than 1,900 families experienced the joy of the holiday season because of the efforts of CCC and its volunteers, donors and sponsors.  CCC was awarded “Small Non-Profit of the Year” in 2011 by the Waukesha County Executive’s office.

For more information about CCC, visit www.christmasclearingcouncil.org.  Look for CCC on Facebook and Twitter.