Local nonprofit hosts Angel Tree party for kids with incarcerated parents in Overton

Published 5:44 am Monday, December 27, 2021

Tyler-based nonprofit Field of Dreams distributed hundreds of gifts to around 80 area children with incarcerated parents at a party celebrating the conclusion of their annual Angel Tree drive last Saturday.

Although unable to host a physical angel tree with pictures of participating kids due to the sensitive nature of their work, Field of Dreams paired local donors with children in Kilgore, Overton and west Rusk County at the request of their incarcerated parents or family members.

Families gathered in the Overton Methodist Church for the party, where each child received multiple gifts, snacks and participated in games.

“Those children are being affected by their parents’ incarceration,” Field of Dreams co-founder Wendi Ward said. “But we turn it into love. We made it so fun that they could, for that one day, not worry about not having their parents there with them.”

Gifts were provided by local donors and wrapped by Field of Dreams volunteers earlier this month. This is the third year the organization has offered free gifts to local families. Last year, the nonprofit gave out Angel Tree gifts to kids in the Tyler area, but Ward wanted to give back to other communities for the 2021 Christmas season.

Around 40 families were represented at the party, Ward said.

Ward began the nonprofit in conjunction with her husband, Chuck, after noticing a lack of programs to uplift the children of people in prison. Their hope is to inspire a “break in the cycle” of generational incarceration — when family members of incarcerated people also end up in the justice system.

Ward said she was also inspired to give back to children and families after receiving a generous Christmas bonus from a former manager, affording their family a fine Christmas morning when they did not expect it.

“I love the men on the inside [of prisons]. I love the women on the inside,” Ward said. “I can also love the family that supports the people that are inside. But I really love the children. Because the kids, they may say that it’s their fault. They’re suffering from anxiety and depression.”

Ward said they hope to expand the Field of Dreams Angel Tree to 200 children by next year. The organization is also planning a Valentine’s Day event and a young men’s mentorship program called Boys to Men in February.

Those interested in volunteering or contributing to Field of Dreams may email Fieldofdreams323@gmail.com or visit fieldofdreams323.com.

The organization is also looking for their own East Texas property to act as their headquarters and a space to host events such as the Angel Tree party.