Justin Tubbs Montrose Business Times Last Thursday, dozens of hand-selected and wrapped gifts were handed over at a Cobble Creek residence. The gifts, designated for Angel Tree children identified through Montrose County’s programs, were loaded into three vehicles with the help of Human Services employees, Montrose County Commissioner Sue Hansen, and new County Manager Frank Rodriguez.

The moment, witnessed by several Cobble Creek organizers and volunteers, was the culmination of months of planning, fundraising and community collaboration. At the beginning of the day, the house was filled front to back with gifts. By the time they had handed over gifts to the county, they were almost all gone.

For more than two decades, the Cobble Creek Angel Tree program has brought the joy of Christmas to children in need throughout Montrose County. In 2024, the program celebrated yet another successful year, raising over $30,000 to provide essential clothing, shoes, coats, personal care items, and thoughtful gifts to more than 350 children who might otherwise face a bleak holiday season. This year’s efforts were led by Cathy and Jim Hoffman, long-time Cobble Creek residents who have served as the program’s leaders for several years.

This was the final year the Hoffmans led the program, as they are passing over the reins beginning next year. The program has grown under their leadership. According to Jim, the organization served more than 330 Montrose-area children in 2023. In 2024, the Cobble Creek residents upped that number to 412. The Angel Tree program relies heavily on the involvement of local residents and businesses.

Trees adorned with paper angels, each representing a child and their specific needs, were displayed at Cobble Creek Golf Club, Timberline Bank of Montrose, Community Bank of Colorado Montrose, DMEA offices, the Montrose Association of Realtors and more. Generous donors “adopted” these angels, purchasing and wrapping the items requested.

Jim noted the overwhelming generosity of contributors, saying, “Everybody that’s contributed gifts, or taken angels, have brought back bags that are much fuller than they’ve ever been before, and thank God, most of the kids are probably going to have 150 to 200 dollars worth of gifts. And our first priority is needs. So we looked at shoes and clothes and things that they needed and then asked people to put in one or two toys with it.”

Cobble Creek hosted its annual fundraising dinner at The Stone House, raising critical funds to purchase items not provided by individual donors. In 2024, the Cobble Creek Angel Tree program raised and spent around $30,000.  Cobble Creek organizers emphasized that the program’s success would not be possible without the many volunteers who dedicate their time and energy to wrapping, organizing, and delivering the gifts.

While the gifts themselves are deeply appreciated, the impact of the Cobble Creek Angel Tree program extends beyond the material items. As Cobble Creek Angel Tree transitions to new leadership, the program faces both challenges and opportunities.

In addition to Montrose County Human Services, several other local organizations and businesses benefited from the Angel Tree’s generosity this year.

Justin Tubbs is the Montrose Business Times editor. He can be reached by email at justin@montrosebusinesstimes.com or by phone at 970-765-0915 or mobile at 254-246-2260.