Giving trees helping give a Christmas to those in need

By Ginna Young

Each year, hundreds of Chippewa County families are given a chance to have a nice Christmas, when they otherwise might not have one. Through the non-profit Spirit of Christmas, families who qualify, receive clothing, toys, books and other household wishlist items.

The sponsorships come from Giving Trees, stationed around the Chippewa Valley. Small trees are placed at area businesses or churches, filled with hanging tag ornaments that have item descriptions written on them, along with the gender and age of those who requested the items.

Community members can take one or more tags, purchase the items and return to the gift tree, before Dec. 1. The gifts will then be distributed.

Locations of gift trees include DJ’s Mart and the community library in Cadott; Chippewa Valley Electric, Cornell Chiropractic, Cornell Health Services, Courier Sentinel (hats, gloves, mittens and scarves only), Lisa’s Beauty Salon, Marshfield Clinic, Sam’s Place & Diner, St. John’s Lutheran Church, and Wisconsin Veteran Farm & Winery in Cornell; and Magic Salon in Holcombe.

Monetary donations are also welcome and can be mailed to: Spirit of Christmas, P.O. Box 831, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729.

To apply for help with Christmas gifts, Chippewa County residents with children 17 years old and younger, can apply by visiting thespiritofchristmasofchippewacounty. com. Applications can also be picked up at the Chippewa County Courthouse.

Completed applications must be returned by Nov. 21, to the above address or emailed to: spiritofchristmasof-chippewaco@ gmail.com.