Tree holds wishes of 223 children

Looking to spread a little Christmas cheer this year to a community family?  The annual Giving Tree is the perfect opportunity to lend a helping hand to local families.  The Giving Tree is now on display at the Clear Lake Mirror-Reporter office art 12 N. 4th St.

This year there are 223 ornaments representing the wishes of local children from more than 76 families.  Last year there were approximately 180 ornaments from 60 families.  There are still over 95 ornaments on the tree, so stop in and make some child’s Christmas a little brighter.

For more than a quarter of a century the Giving Tree, a collaboration between the Clear Lake Mirror-Reporter and Clear Lake Community School District, has helped to make the holidays a little brighter for Clear Lake area families. Forms to sign up for the 2018 Giving Tree were distributed at Clear Lake Schools, Lake Town Charlie Brown and Head Start in Clear Lake.

Those interested in purchasing gifts or food cards for the Giving Tree may choose ornaments at the Mirror-Reporter office at 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 Wednesday, Dec. 12.  Families are then notified when gifts are ready for pick up.

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 Clear Creek Elementary office or Mirror-Reporter office.

Last year, approximately 180 ornaments representing the wishes of local children from more than 60 families appeared on the tree.