Schools, companies, organizations and residents have an opportunity to be “;angels”; and give Hawaii's sexually abused children a happy Christmas.

The Children's Alliance of Hawaii partners with state and private organizations to conduct the annual Christmas Angels Program for children living in poverty.

Alfred Herrera, alliance president, said the program is “;one of the most important 'enhancements' we offer, allowing us to bring a little Christmas joy into the lives of sexually abused children.”;

Community support of the project is especially important because “;it offers a positive message to our victims as they work to recover from their trauma,”; he said.

Last year, 1,095 wishes were granted to 437 abused children on Oahu with the assistance of 776 donors.

The alliance is receiving Christmas wishes from clients and other organizations and next month will begin distributing cutout “;angels”; with the wishes to sponsors.

They will buy and wrap gifts and deliver them to the nonprofit alliance before Dec. 5. Volunteers will get them to the children in time for Christmas.

Those interested in helping to make Christmas wishes come true are asked to call Kim Bartenstein, 599-2955, ext. 216, or e-mail .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

The Children's Alliance of Hawaii, formed 21 yeas ago, assists the Children's Justice Center and serves sexually abused children from toddlers through teens with therapeutic and enhancement programs.