CANTON -- Church and Community Giving Tree donation tags will soon be on trees all over the area in local businesses, schools and churches. After a delay caused by paper and trucker shortages, they will be ready next week for everyone in the community to take one and help make a child’s holiday brighter again this year.

“We are always overwhelmed by how generous people are in our area!” says Cheryl Glidden, Giving Tree Co-Director. “The children who participate in our program are able to have a special Christmas morning when they receive their warm pajamas, a cozy hand-knit hat, and the toys and clothing their parents will purchase with the gift cards they receive! It’s heartwarming to know that the parents are able to choose gifts that their children need and will enjoy!”

Once again the program will provide local children from families in need with clothing and toy/gift vouchers, as well as a pair of new PJs and a hand-knitted hat made by a local group who knit through the year to make this happen. Each family will also receive a Save-A-Lot food voucher to add some sparkle to the holiday meal.

“Last year parents had the opportunity to shop for their own children, using the vouchers we provided,” Thadine Wight, Giving Tree Board Member, notes. “Parents know their child's preferences and truly appreciate being able to choose the toy and clothing item for their children. We feel the parents did a great job and enjoyed doing their own shopping.”

Since prices are rising and gifts may be in short supply this season, the deadline for applications to be a Giving Tree recipient is November 1, and gifts will be distributed to parents on December 4.

“The Back To School Program saw a significant increase this year in numbers of families needing help providing school supplies, sneakers and other essential items,” Pat Sibbitts, Director of Back to School says. “In 2019, 62 families were served. This year we served 78 families which amounts to over a 20% increase. This suggests that participation in the Giving Tree will also be rising and we need help from our community to meet that need.”

People who want to give to Giving Tree 2021 have many ways to do it. They may take a tag envelope from one of the many trees around town and send a donation to Church & Community Giving Tree at PO Box 55, Canton or drop off their donation at the Second Chance Thrift Shop, 30 Court Street, Canton.

Those who prefer to give online may go to ccpcanton.org, click the “Donate” button and pay with PayPal. The first page has a drop down menu to allow donors to choose “Giving Tree,” and then enter the amount.

Parents who want to apply for their children to be in the Giving Tree should check the information at ccpcanton.org to be sure they qualify. If they do, applications are available online, as well as through Canton Central, Edwards-Knox, and Hermon-DeKalb schools and the CCP Thrift Shop. All applications need to be in by November 1, 2021.

People interested in helping with the Giving Tree this year should contact Fran Bailey at fbailey@clarkson.edu.