A starry tribute this Christmas

Recovery advocates bring Christmas to kids in need while honoring those they have lost

HANNAH COLLINS | Holmes County Advertiser

For Lori Yates, Christmas has always been a time of joy and togetherness. However, since the loss of her son, Chase Burgess, in 2020 during his favorite time of the year, the holidays have become bittersweet. 

Yates decided to channel her pain into something meaningful by creating Chase’s Angel Tree, a program designed to bring Christmas cheer to children whose parents are incarcerated. “This was a part of my healing,” Yates explained. “I needed to take my pain and make something good out of it. As hard as it was for us to lose him at Christmas, it doesn’t have to be hard for these children.” 

The initiative started with a simple idea: Yates wanted to honor Chase’s memory by helping families in need. After a meeting with her recovery organization, the idea expanded into creating an angel tree specifically for children of incarcerated parents. 

This year, the program is active in Holmes and Washington counties, with plans to expand into Walton County next year. Although Chase, a Holmes County native, inspired the project’s local roots, the impact of Chase’s Angel Tree is already reaching beyond county lines. The tree, now adorned with angel ornaments representing children in need, stands at the Westville Store. 

Community members are encouraged to “adopt an angel” by December 13 and return unwrapped gifts by December 18. These gifts will help brighten Christmas morning for children whose parents are in the trustee pods at the Holmes and Washington County jails. Eye of Hope Advocates’ efforts go beyond just providing gifts. 

Each family receiving angel tree gifts is also provided with a meal, known as “Maggie’s Meals.” This initiative is named in honor of Maggie Gourley, the daughter of the group’s secretary, who tragically died by suicide a year ago. Families receive a ham or turkey, along with sides and dessert, to prepare their holiday meal, reflecting Gourley’s love of cooking for her family and friends. 

As December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, this initiative also serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of finding purpose amidst loss. Yates hopes her efforts not only honor Chase and Maggie but also inspire others to turn their pain into positive change. 

To adopt an angel, learn more about the initiative, or read more about Chase and Maggie’s stories, please visit the Eye of Hope Recovery Advocates Facebook page.