Giving Tree seeks Christmas shoppers

The North Iowa Giving Tree project is now underway for Christmas 2022. This volunteer led effort is once again looking to brighten the holidays for area families in need by providing Christmas presents, and anyone can help by doing a little Christmas shopping or making a monetary donation.

 

To participate, people can pick up a paper ornament at any of the local banks or the Buffalo Center Post Office. The ornaments have been decorated by students at North Iowa Community School, and each one lists a gift that’s being requested for a local child. Simply pick out one or more ornaments, purchase the gifts indicated, and return the gifts and ornaments to the same location.

 

People can also visit the Giving Tree’s website to get matched with a child’s gift request by going to: https://northiowagivingtree.com. 

 

Each year, the Giving Tree works with North Iowa Community School to select families within the school district that are in need of assistance. The project aims to provide two clothing items and one toy for each child. Participating shoppers can wrap the gifts before returning them, or Giving Tree volunteers will be happy to wrap the presents.

 

The Giving Tree is also seeking donations of mittens, hats, scarves, personal hygiene items, blankets, and quilts.

 

Monetary donations will be used to purchase any gifts that haven’t yet been fulfilled. Donations can be made at any participating bank.

 

Ornaments are available now at FTSB in Buffalo Center and Lakota, NSB in Thompson, State Savings Bank in Rake, and the Buffalo Center Post Office.

All gifts should be returned by Friday, Dec. 9.

The North Iowa Giving Tree is held in collaboration with North Iowa Community School, the North Iowa Ministerial Association, area banks, the Buffalo Center Post Office, and community members.

 

Anyone with questions may contact Betsy Goetz at 641-562-2500, Jo Steffensen at 641-562-2276, or Marilee Siemens at 641-562-2282.