Angels at SeaWorld Pay It Forward

December 8, 2009 by Katie Preuss •

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Did you know that SeaWorld team members are paying it forward during the holiday season?

As they walk through Main Security to start their day at work, they can’t help but see a beautiful Christmas tree in the corner. This tree isn’t just to keep us in the holiday spirit, it serves a bigger cause. It gives team members the opportunity to pay it forward this time of year by donating a gift to a child who otherwise wouldn’t receive one.

I took some time to sit down with Peggy Zellmer, an Accounting Coordinator here at SeaWorld San Antonio. She has helped out with our Angel Tree the last couple of years, and knows all of the details about the donations.

SeaWorld has been donating to different organizations using the Angel Tree method for over ten years and this year the tree is benefiting families of Becoming Apparent. This non-profit organization offers families resources to transition through the court systems and reunites families by offering parenting services, coping with moving-on classes, and children school and holiday programs. Based out of San Antonio, they smooth the transition process by educating parents on how the legal system works in Bexar county and surrounding areas.

So, how does this Angel Tree work? The tree is covered with paper angels that SeaWorld team members simply pick off the tree, flip over and see the age and gender of the child that will receive a gift from them. So far 70 angels have been picked! Are you paying it forward this holiday season?

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