Sharon’s Angels gives helping hand to 13 families
6-year-old Kolten Warner helped wrap gifts that were distributed to needy families in memory of Sharon Goho. CHRIS REBER/TIMES NEWS
Sometimes Santa needs a little extra help. Luckily, there are people like Sharon’s Angels to fill the need.
The angels are a group friends and relatives who come together to help families in need. Each year, they purchase and distribute gifts in memory of Sharon Goho, a loving mother and grandmother from Tamaqua who passed away in 2013.
On Friday, they brightened the Christmas season for 13 families in the Carbon and Tamaqua areas. They delivered gifts, turkeys and baked goods to the families.
Linda Fritzinger, a family friend, said the reaction from the families when they receive the gifts is touching.
“It’s just so great when you get to see a family, and they’re just so happy to see you and hug you. It’s just a good feeling,” she said.
They give gifts because, according to relative Tonya Warner, that’s what Sharon would have done. She loved children, especially her grandchildren.
“A happy loving woman, always willing to give,” Warner said.
Sharon’s sister, Rose Warner, started the tradition in 2014.
The angels started their work months ahead. They worked with local schools to find families who are in need, or have children with disabilities.
Then they got the children’s wish lists and went shopping. Most of the money for the gifts came from the angels themselves.
Each family also received a turkey. Tamaqua Transfer, the Warner family’s business, donated the money to purchase them. The clothing shop Lark, in Orwigsburg, donated high quality clothing for the children. Aunt G’s Pastries donated baked goods.
When they drop off the gifts, the children usually open one, and save the rest for the big day. The angels explain that they’re there in remembrance of their friend.
“We tell them that it’s in memory of Sharon, and we do this because Sharon loved children and she would want us to do this,” Fritzinger said.
