Officials with the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce report the Atlantic Jaycee’s and Dick Wright were named Angels of Christmas over the weekend.

For the past several years, the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce and Stifel Nicolaus have sponsored the Angels of Christmas award, a surprise honor bestowed upon two community members or organizations who symbolize the true Christmas spirit. The “angels” are nominated via written letters of recommendation to the Atlantic Special Promotions & Events Committee. The presentation happens in front of a large audience at the end of the annual free holiday concert at the First United Methodist Church on the second Saturday in December.

Dick Wright is very private about his deeds, but they most definitely do not go unnoticed. The person who nominated him said Wright “Unselfishly gives his time and vehicle to help many individuals in the Atlantic and surrounding areas.” As a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church, he helps man the video system, does “Dial A Daily Word” and serves on committees. Dick has been a long-time auxiliary member at the Cass County Memorial Hospital that takes patients to therapy. Not only does he take patients to therapy, but he also frequently drives patients to Dr. appointments, both in and out of town.

The Atlantic Jaycee’s adopted a project developed by the West Central Development in the 1980’s that gives food for a Christmas meal to those in need or just because they deserve it. They were nominated because “For over 30 years the Atlantic Jaycee’s have been raising money and collecting names to help the people of Cass County have a Merry Christmas.” Baskets of food for a complete Christmas dinner are put together by the local grocery stores and delivered with the help of other local organizations. Many families are helped during the Christmas season that fills them with the holiday spirit.