The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce and Cass County Health System on Sunday, presented the Angel of Christmas award, a surprise honor bestowed upon a community member who symbolizes the true Christmas spirit.This year, the winner was Steve Livengood, who was nominated by several community members for his service to the Atlantic area.

Steve Livengood (file photo)

Chamber officials say Livengood was the lifeblood behind the Cass County Honor Flight, with countless hours devoted to organizing and planning 150 local veterans first class trip to Washington D.C. to visit and reflect at their memorials. When the logistics of this trip hit a snag, this angel found a way to fix it each and every time.

The Chamber says Steve Livengood is the true meaning of the season, always spreading his generosity today and every day. He hand built a remarkable oak chair for Santa and his visitors at the City Park. Livengood serves many hours at the armory and coordinates the Salvation Army bell ringer program. His joyful and generous spirit light up the people he passes each day. One of the people who nominated him for the award said “I can think of no other that has his commitment to Atlantic and its citizens.”

The “angels” are nominated via written letters of recommendation to the Atlantic Area Chamber. The presentation happens in front of a large audience at the annual free Holiday Concert hosted at the First United Methodist Church, sponsored by Bonnesen’s Five & Ten.