Spreading Joy through Giving: Supporting the Community Angel Tree Program
In the heart of Moffitt Cancer Center, where compassion meets health care, the spirit of community is luminous, especially during the holiday season. This spirit shines brightly in Andres Morales, a nurse practitioner, and his fellow advanced practice professionals. Each year, Morales and his team ensure that Christmas is a time of joy for children who might otherwise have little to celebrate. Through the Hillsborough County Foster Angels Program, an organization dedicated to providing gifts for thousands of local children who spend their holidays in foster care, the team is able to touch many lives.
Morales joined Moffitt in July 2020, quickly becoming involved in the Angel Tree Program thanks to his colleague, Daly Belinc. His approach is thoughtful: Each year, he sponsors two children, inspired by his 4-year-old daughter. This personal touch guides his gift selections, creating a special connection between his family and the children he helps.
Moffitt CEO Patrick Hwu, MD (top left), joins Andres Morales (far right), Daly Belinc (pink shirt) and the APP Foster Angels Committee to load toys for delivery.
In his commitment to ensuring every child feels special, Morales goes beyond just selecting gifts, he actively seeks to understand and connect with the interests of the children he helps. One touching instance was when a child asked for a CD player, a request that puzzled him given today's digital age. To ensure he chose a gift that would genuinely delight, Morales reached out to his niece for insights, reflecting his dedication to making each gift as meaningful as possible.
"It was important to me that the gifts not only bring joy but also resonate personally with the kids," he said.
But for Morales, the program is more than just gifts. It’s about fostering hope and community spirit. His role has evolved from mere participant to key organizer, deeply engaged in the logistics and hands-on activities of the program, from wrapping gifts to coordinating the big distribution day.
The drive to contribute so wholeheartedly to the program stems from his childhood experiences. Having moved from Puerto Rico at the age of 9, he knows what it's like to face financial hardships during the holiday season. Those memories of sparse Christmases drive his commitment today. “Every child deserves to open some gifts for Christmas,” Morales said, emphasizing the importance of making every child feel included and cherished during the holidays.
The success of the Angel Tree Program is a collective effort, showcasing the generosity and collaboration of the Moffitt community. Across the cancer center, trees were stocked with angel cutouts listing the wishes of children who have had a tough year. Team members, volunteers and patients were all welcome to join in the gift giving.
Looking to the future, Morales is full of ideas to expand the reach and impact of the program. He dreams of more visible and accessible angel trees and a broader engagement with the community to spread the spirit of giving even further. His hope is to not only continue these traditions but to enhance them, making the holiday season even more magical for those in need.
As the holidays draw near, Morales’s story reminds us of the broader roles health care professionals often play in their communities. They heal, they care and they give back, embodying the true spirit of the season. Through their actions, Morales and his team not only bring joy to children each Christmas but also inspire a ripple effect of generosity throughout the community.
