THROUGH THE ANGEL CONNECTION "HOLIDAY HUG PROGRAM" DELTA DENTAL EMPLOYEES HELP CHILDREN AFFECTED BY AIDS ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS

PARSIPPANY, NJ (December 1, 2006) – For many parents and caregivers in families affected by HIV or AIDS, the holidays create a painful situation. They may not have adequate funds available to purchase a special gift for each child. Employees at Delta Dental of New Jersey have made an annual effort to help these children enjoy the holidays through The Angel Connection "Holiday Hug Program."

The Angel Connection, located in Greystone Park, NJ, is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the quality of life for children and families throughout New Jersey living with HIV and AIDS. Its "Holiday Hug Program" works with "Gift Angels," local individuals and businesses who help to anonymously provide over 4,000 children throughout the state with Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanzaa gifts they've asked for. These gifts are then presented to parents and caregivers so they will have the pleasure and dignity of giving their child a present to open for the holidays.

Annette Baker, senior receptionist at Delta Dental, has led the "Holiday Hug Program" effort at Delta Dental for over six years. "This is a wonderful program and we are proud to be a part of it. Some departments have even chosen to purchase gifts for The Angel Connection instead of exchanging gifts among themselves, " said Baker. "This is our ninth year participating and our employees have bought presents for more than 120 children this year. Many of the children asked for gifts ranging from CD players and dolls to messenger bags and winter clothes."

"Over the years Delta Dental has brought smiles to the faces of hundreds of children throughout New Jersey suffering from AIDS, and their families," said Chaplain Carol Bamesberger, director of The Angel Connection. "They have been such a positive supporter of the work we are doing here. We are so grateful."

The "Holiday Hug Program" is only one of the many ways The Angel Connection reaches out to this community in need. Through donations and volunteering efforts, it provides school supplies and backpacks for camp, warm coats, furniture, household repairs, support and mentoring services. Through the "Orphan Angel Program" mothers who are dealing with a terminal illness are able to make quality "permanency plans" for their surviving children. And, through the "Magical Memory Days Program" the organization provides days that will make a family happy, such as a plane trip to visit relatives or sending an 18 year old girl to her prom.

"Working with The Angel Connection is a wonderful opportunity to give back to those who are less fortunate. I've come away from the experience feeling so much more grateful for what I have," continued Baker. "Getting to know Carol Bamesberger has been a blessing and working with her and the volunteers at The Angel Connection is truly a special gift in itself."

For more information about The Angel Connection or to make a donation please visit www.theangelconnection.org or call 973-898-0048.

About The Angel Connection
The Angel Connection, located in Greystone Park, NJ, is a nonprofit organization committed to improving the quality of life for children and families throughout New Jersey living with HIV and AIDS. Its "Holiday Hug Program" works with "Gift Angels," local individuals and businesses who help to anonymously provide over 4,000 children throughout the state with Christmas, Chanukah and Kwanzaa gifts they've asked for. These gifts are then presented to parents and caregivers to they will have the pleasure and dignity of giving their children a present to open for the holidays. For more information about The Angel Connection or to make a donation please visit www.theangelconnection.org or call 973-898-0048.

About Delta Dental of New Jersey, Inc.
Delta Dental of New Jersey, Inc., is New Jersey’s and Connecticut's leading dental benefits carrier, providing coverage to more than one million people through contracts with employers in New Jersey and Connecticut. The Delta Dental system offers seamless dental benefits administration for employer groups throughout the country and the largest network of credentialed dentists in the nation. For more information visit us on the Web at www.deltadentalnj.com