Let the giving begin!
The Giving Tree will be on display at the Clear Lake Mirror-Reporter office next week.
Forms to sign up for the 2022 Giving Tree were distributed at Clear Lake Schools, Lake Town Charlie Brown and Head Start in Clear Lake last month. Those requesting help with the purchase of gifts and food for their families were invited to respond. Ornaments were then created to represent Christmas wishes. They will be displayed on The Giving Tree starting Thursday, Nov. 17.
The public is invited to stop in, choose ornaments and shop for a child or entire family. Some ornaments denote the number of persons in the family so that a food gift card may be purchased as a gift. Although toys are always a fun gift, The Giving Tree is primarily intended to help families meet needs. The age of a child, as well as their sizes and preferences appear on the ornaments. Favorite colors and special interests are also noted to help buyers personalize a gift, or include a small surprise in addition to clothing.
Ornaments may be checked out from the Mirror-Reporter office, 12 N. 4th St., between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday-Friday.
Wrapped gifts and food cards must be turned in to the Mirror-Reporter no later than noon Wednesday, Dec. 14. Families are then notified when gifts are ready for pick up.
Those choosing not to shop this holiday seasonmight consider making a financial donation to the Giving Tree and the funds will be used to fulfill the Christmas needs of local families. Again this year, thanks to Share Life, donations of cash and food cards for Giving Tree families are tax-deductible.
Questions regarding sign-up for the Giving Tree should be directed to Sara Puttmann at Clear Lake Schools, 641-357-5288. Those with questions about purchasing gifts or food for families, or wishing to make a donation which will be dedicated to the Giving Tree, should contact Marianne Gasaway at the Clear Lake Mirror-Reporter, 357-2131. To make a tax-deductible donation to this year’s Giving Tree, make checks payable to Share Life with “Giving Tree” noted in the memo. Donations can be dropped off at the Mirror-Reporter office.
Last year, The Giving Tree provided food to 46 families and 140 children received gifts.
