The Christmas tree is one of the symbols of the holiday season we all recognize. The evergreen tree is still beautiful when all its cousins have lost their leaves. The idea of a decorated Christmas tree was brought to America by German immigrants about 200 years ago. They decorated their trees with candles and cookies.
After Queen Victoria’s family set one up in England, Christmas trees became popular throughout the world. Eventually the candles were replaced with strings of lights. The cookies were traded for small toys and, later, ornaments. Our Christmas trees continue to represent celebration and gift-giving.
What about the families who can’t afford gifts? Or people whose families are spread out and don’t get the chance to connect at Christmas?
Our communities have responded by setting up trees with tags, asking that presents be returned. Opportunities exist for those who have plenty, and it’s an important part of Christmas in many families. Children from low-income families may receive gifts from Santa’s Helpers. The Tree of Love provides gifts for residents in nursing homes, our elders who might otherwise be overlooked. The Tree of Warmth helps provide items like mittens and hats.
Santa’s Helpers has set up a tree at Bomgaars. Pick a tag, buy and wrap a new $15-20 toy, attach the tag securely, and return it to Bomgaars by December 9. Invitations have been sent out to qualifying families, who must return postcards by December 7. The team, led by Karen Trussell and Julie Johnson, starts fresh with new lists every year, so the family must list all their children and their ages. Then gifts are set aside for their family.
On Sunday, December 10, Santa’s Helpers will be set up at the Eagles Club in Alliance. From 3:00 – 4:00 pm, families are asked to come in and pick up their gifts.
Presents for the children are received not only from the tree at Bomgaars. Steph’s Studio took photos at Halloween. Participants brought in one toy for each person who was in the photo, and they’ll receive one free 4×6 photo; more photos can be purchased. The toys they brought are donated to Santa’s Helpers.
In November ABATE held a taco feed at the Gathering Spot to help raise money for Santa’s Helpers. Other organizations and individuals also donate so enough toys can be purchased. Over 200 families qualify for presents from Santa’s Helpers, so hundreds of gifts are needed. Call Karen Trussell at 308-762-8545 if you need more information.
Box Butte County has a poverty rate of 12%, according to the Census Bureau. The percentage is even higher for our children age 0-17. For a household of four, that is an income of $30,000 or less. Families are low income and can qualify for assistance if their household income is less that 150% of the poverty amount. For a family of four, that would be $45,000.
Another group is often overlooked during the holidays – the people in nursing homes. Because of the demand for care for people who cannot remain in their own homes, many nursing home residents live far from their families. RSVP has set up a Tree of Love, so these precious elders can receive something special for Christmas.
Tags suggesting gifts for people at Highland Park can be found on trees at Carter’s. Gifts should be returned by December 18. The Tree of Love for people at the Hemingford Care Center is at Valor General Store. Gifts should be returned to the Hemingford Care Center by December 18.
The Tree of Warmth collects donations of new mittens, hats, gloves, scarves, and socks at St. John’s Lutheran Church. When families pick up their Christmas food baskets on December 21, they will be able to select items from the Tree of Warmth.
Whether you can give something or you’ll need a helping hand at Christmastime, please consider these trees.