Giving Tree becomes a tradition for many

by Marianne Gasaway

It’s hard to say who benefits the most from The Giving Tree.  The obvious answer is the recipients, but the reality is that the givers find true joy in helping to make Christmas a little brighter for local families.

This year’s Giving Tree at the Mirror-Reporter office featured a record-setting number of ornaments.  Two-hundred thirty-two requests for assistance were made through Clear Lake Schools, Head Start and Charlie Brown.

The community rose to the challenge and all requests for gifts of clothing and food have been filled.  And you can bet that in addition to the “needs” parents requested for their children, Giving Tree givers also included some fun “non-essentials.”

Organizations, businesses, individuals and families have all contributed to The Giving Tree’s success.

One local family, who wish to remain anonymous, said this is the second year of a new tradition for their family.

“It was a complete “God thing” for our family,” they explained.  “Sara Puttmann (of Clear Lake Schools) steered my young daughter and me in the right direction after our request to help a family have a merrier Christmas. I mentioned something to my parents; they wanted in on the giving. My grandma, my aunt, my sister and her family, extended family in Minnesota…. it just kept going and the holiday spirit kept growing!  It was such an experience to not focus on US but on OTHERS.  We wanted to do that again, and made a point of stopping by the “Giving Tree” this year. And so continues this tradition.”

Businesses have also embraced The Giving Tree.

One of Clear Lake’s largest employers, McKesson, is also in its second year taking part.  Paul Kamau, a member of the man-

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agement team at McKesson, arranged for more than 60 Giving Tree ornaments to be displayed at the business, making it convenient for employees to participate.

On the last two Fridays of November, staff members at MBT Bank, in Clear Lake, raised funds for the Giving Tree by paying to wear blue jeans to work.  Office Manager Jennifer Cash explained that the practice typically occurs the last week of each month, with proceeds going to a local charity.  In November, two Fridays were devoted to raise funds for a child appearing on The Giving Tree.

Organizations, such as Xi Theta Kappa Sorority, took a more general approach to giving.  Funds raised by members were given to the cause, to be spent however needed.  Most often the money is used to purchase additional food cards to amplify the giving.   

In the coming days we will be processing the gifts as they are turned in to the office and contacting families.   We thank all those who continue to inspire us with their generosity and thoughtfulness.  The smiles and stories the gift-givers share with us are heartwarming.  Likewise, learning that someone whose family was on the tree last year was able to help another family this year, exemplifies the Christmas spirit.

“Christmas is a really special time of year for my loved ones.  I can’t imagine struggling to provide and deal with the pressures of the “giving season,” said one person choosing an ornament this year.   “Maybe a local family can find a little peace; even if just for a little bit?  My family is fortunate and grateful we can maybe bless others. It’s the true meaning of Christmas, right?”

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