The holiday season is usually accompanied by multiple food and toy drives in an effort to make sure those less fortunate in our area have something to celebrate this time of year.

The Church of the Nazarene in Idaho Falls is participating in the Angle Tree Project, which is dedicated to children whose parents are incarcerated, with hopes of shining a little light on what could be a difficult holiday season.

It's a group of children who are often forgotten, silent victims of crimes committed by their parents.

Robert Sherwood, Pastor, Church of the Nazarene: "You think of the victims who have been affected by the crimes often. What you don't think about is the fact that those persons who committed the crimes have children at home."

The Angel Tree Program is about remembering those silent victims during the holiday season. It's a national program that collects applications from inmates in jail, selects hundreds of families and then relies on local organizations like the Church of the Nazarene to provide gifts for those children.

The program helps about 70 families from St. Anthony to Boise, with the presents either delivered or handed out at a special Angel Tree party.

Robert Sherwood: "We invite all the families to come here and basically it is our time to show love to them, just try and support them, encourage them and then present them the gifts to them."

All the presents are marked 'From Mom and Dad', keeping them a part of their child's Christmas even though they are unable to be there.

Robert Sherwood: "If there is anything we can do for those who have made mistakes and those who are still parents, who still love their kids, we want to be a part of the healing process."

...Giving a gift at Christmas that will hopefully last a lifetime.

Robert Sherwood: "It's a great blessing for those who give, to know that they're giving to someone who wouldn't have anything."

The church will be holding a special event at the Grand Teton Mall this Saturday starting at 4 p.m. where you can go, pick a child's name off a tree and purchase a present for them.

If you would like to donate, you can also contact the Church of the Nazarene at 522-8005.