Pleasanton residents, businesses open wallets for Angel Tree program

PLEASANTON – A concerted effort by city employees, the local rural fire department and several individuals mean that Pleasanton area children will have a much better Christmas. That was the message stressed by Pleasanton city officials at the city council meeting on Monday, Nov. 28, as they announced that the city’s Angel Tree program had raised nearly $8,900 over the past few weeks, enough to help 55 children.

Earlier in November Pleasanton City Administrator Teresa Whitaker told the city council that if the program didn’t draw more donations this year compared to last year, the Angel Tree would not be able to provide for children who lived outside city limits.

She struck a more positive chord on Monday as she said that members of the city’s fire and police departments, along with the Pleasanton Rural Fire Department, and the Linn County News worked to elicit donations for the program, according to Mayor Mike Frisbie.

Whitaker also noted that corporate donations, personal donations and a donation of $500 from a trust fund help boost the amount.