41st Brightside Angel Campaign Continues Tradition of Hope

SPRINGFIELD — The Brightside Angel Campaign has been a local holiday tradition for the past 41 years, offering gifts with special meaning. All proceeds from the annual campaign directly benefit those served by the programs and services of Brightside for Families and Children. Each year, Brightside serves more than 500 children, their siblings, and their families in their homes and schools with in-home and virtual counseling and family support.

In addition to the traditional paper Brightside Angels, a ceramic Brightside Angel ornament will be available this year. The paper angels can be purchased at all 31 Pride Stores throughout the area, and both the paper and ceramic angels can be purchased online at give.mercycares.com/brightside-angels.

“Brightside’s work is at the heart of our mission — offering in-home counseling, mentoring, family support, and services tailored to the unique needs of each child and their family,” said Deborah Bitsoli, president of Mercy Medical Center. “Thanks to the generosity of our host locations and many supporters, Brightside is able to provide services to many children and families in our community.”

Brightside for Families and Children was among the first ministries established by the Sisters of Providence when they came to the area from Canada in 1873. Although initially serving as an orphanage, Brightside has adapted its program and service offerings over the years to meet the changing needs of the community’s most vulnerable children, adolescents, and their families. The annual Brightside Angel Campaign, now in its 41st year, has always inspired a great deal of support from community members, many of whom purchase an angel ornament every year to add to their collection.

“Despite the tremendous obstacles often faced by the children, adolescents, and families who come to Brightside, our programs are able to provide them with the resources to reach their fullest potential, thanks to efforts like the Brightside Angel Campaign,” said Sr. Mary Caritas, vice president of the Sisters of Providence.

To order Brightside Angel Campaign items, visit give.mercycares.com/brightside-angels.