Share in the spirit of giving during the holiday season and become a partner with us for the annual Bates Tree of Angels.  The Bates Tree of Angels is a program offered by Bates Community Development Corporation in partnership with Bates Memorial Baptist Church. The program provides gifts to children up to age 14 who may not otherwise receive gifts during the holiday season. Participants are from low-to-moderate income families in the community or families in crisis. Parents and guardians participate in educational workshops and attend the annual event with their children in December. Members of the Bates Church along with individuals and groups from throughout the community generously give toys, books, games, educational items and clothing to children they select for sponsorship. The final event in the event is a fun-filled time for the entire family and the children receive wrapped presents, chosen especially for them by anonymous sponsors so they will have gifts under the Christmas tree. Approximately 200-250 children are participate each year.