hildren do not have to be infected with HIV or have AIDS to be affected by the disease. Every year, children of parents living with HIV and AIDS do not have a happy holiday season due to the financial burden that often goes with a family member's struggle to survive.

Many difficulties compound the financial burdens of HIV/AIDS for clients of Big Bend Cares, such as the fact that 100 percent of our clients live at or below 300 percent of the federal poverty guidelines.

Bearing that in mind, please consider our invitation to become a Holiday Angel, and help to provide holiday gifts to children who just want to have a happy holiday season this year.

Over the years, Big Bend Cares and the Holiday Angels have provided gifts for hundreds of children. Lend your support as an individual, family, office staff, church group, civic group, or just a group of friends. Be a gift donor or a gift wrapper. Every little bit helps. For more information, call Diana Slater at (850) 656-2437 x301, fax at (850) 942-6402, or e-mail

Please be an Angel this Holiday Season!