Giving Tree Continues a Long Orcas Tradition

— from Erin O’Dell for Orcas Community Resource Center —

There’s still time to select a child from the Giving Tree. In fact, there are still more than 30 children left on the tree. Please stop by Island Market to ensure there are gifts under the tree for every Orcas child.

In 1999 Dawn Parnell created the Giving Tree at the Market. The following year, new Orcas resident Judi Lindgren joined her. Two Christmases later, Lindgren found herself not only in charge, but alone in a room, in a sea of presents all needing to be sorted. The following year Lindgren connected with Erin O’Dell of Orcas Family Connections and Amber Paulsen of Kaleidoscope.

The Giving Tree program’s sole purpose is to help local families who struggle financially to provide for their kids during the holiday season. And the number of Orcas children placing their Christmas wish list (no more than three gifts costing no more than $100) on the tree has grown every year, nearly doubling since its beginnings.

If you need a little extra help providing Christmas for your family this year, enrollment forms are available to pick up and drop off no later than the third week of December. The forms can be located at all of the schools and childcare facilities, as well as at the food bank and Island Market.
If you would like to donate or participate in the Giving Tree, these are the main ways to do so.