The Giving Tree

During the Christmas season, would it make you feel happy if you could fulfill a young child’ s wish for a particular toy? Or, adopt a family for the season and make their Christmas a happy one? Each year the Santa Cruz Salvation Army provides the opportunity for men and women of good will to do just that.

From the day after Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve, you will see “The Giving Tree” inside the Capitola Mall in front of the entrance to Kohl’s Department Store. This will be in a booth maintained from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. by volunteers of the Salvation Army. The tree will be covered with tags from boys and girls, who are twelve years old and under from qualified families unable to provide these gifts to their children.

Each tag gives the child’s age and the particular toy they most desire for Christmas. The donors choose a tag or tags and purchase that toy or toys, which they return to the booth unwrapped. The parents pick up the gifts at an appointed time at the Salvation Army Headquarters, wrap them, and are able to have the presents under the Christmas tree.

In past years, I was able to see this very worthwhile program in action as I assisted Betty Torchio in the booth.

For many years she enjoyed this task, often welcoming people who came back year after year to participate in granting children’s’ gift wishes. Some would bring their children to help choose the gifts and share the joy to be found in giving to others at Christmas time. Others would donate money to be used for the gifts and food gift cards to be used for the holiday meal.

Some businesses and organizations have decided to forego their annual gift exchange and donate to the Gift Tree instead. Others have participated in “Adopt a Family.”

Denise Acosta has been in charge of this program for fifteen years, in addition to her many other duties for the Salvation Army. She told me that this year they have already received 680 requests.

How Can You Help?

1. Sign up to be a volunteer for a two-hour shift in the booth. It is necessary to have two people in the booth at all times. Denise says that seniors are very good in this capacity because Grandmothers and Grandfathers fit right into the Christmas atmosphere.
2. Adopt a Family. Individuals, organizations, or businesses can do this. La. Posada Senior Complex has been participating in this program for many years. The members like the idea of helping a single mother with small children. Jack and Marge Specht, Pat Lafoon and Ester Shambley have put a lot of love into shopping for toys, blankets, clothing and giving food gift certificates to their adopted family each year. Last year they were able to purchase a stroller for the young family.
3. Donate money to be used for these projects. The need is larger than ever this year. If you wish to be involved or help in any way, contact The Santa Cruz Salvation Army at 426-8365.