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Area's Giving Trees Ensure Hundreds of Kids Have a Bright Holiday

Dec 7, 2024 at 8:00 PM

During the holiday season, several organizations in Grant County are working hard to ensure that children don't go without gifts. The Silver City Elks Lodge No. 413 has been conducting its giving tree program for over a decade. This year, about 60 children from both the Silver and Cobre school districts will receive gifts. The schools select five students from each school, and parents fill out applications with information about the child. Ornaments with no names are placed on a tree in the lodge, and on December 21, there will be a breakfast with Santa where the children and families meet and receive their presents. The Elks receive a $7,000 grant from the Elks National Foundation and add another $2,000 - $3,000 from their own funds. Each child receives an average of $150 - $200 worth of gifts.The Western New Mexico University Child Development Center is also in the midst of its giving tree program. This year, there are about 80 children served by the center and their siblings, an increase from last year due to more therapists and expanded services. A second tree has been set up at Miller Library. Ornaments describe the holiday wants and needs of the children, and each ornament has four small removable cards with gift suggestions. All gifts should be brought, wrapped, to the center by December 20. The center also welcomes stocking stuffers for all ages.In Bayard, a toy drive is organized by Margie Estrada. This is the third year of the drive, and it aims to help children in the Mining District community. New and pre-owned toys in good condition, stockings, and individually wrapped goodies are being accepted. Items can be dropped off from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 104 Hurley Ave. The toys will be distributed on or before December 21.The Silver City Gospel Mission is not conducting an organized gift drive this year but welcomes donations of turkeys, foodstuffs, warm clothes, and other items for their less fortunate clients. They will be doing a Christmas box giveaway for holiday meals.These organizations are making a significant impact during the holiday season, bringing joy and hope to children in need.

"Spreading Holiday Cheer through Community Giving"

Silver City Elks Lodge's Giving Tree Program

The Silver City Elks Lodge's giving tree program is a long-standing tradition. For over a decade, they have been working to make Christmas special for local children. By collaborating with the school districts and gathering information from parents, they ensure that each child receives personalized gifts. The breakfast with Santa on December 21 is a highlight, where families come together to enjoy a homemade hot breakfast and receive their presents. This hands-on event allows the Elks members to directly contribute to the holiday joy of the community.

The $7,000 grant from the Elks National Foundation is a significant boost, but the members' additional contributions show their dedication. With an average of $150 - $200 worth of gifts per child, the Elks make a substantial difference in the lives of these children. It's heartwarming to see the smiles on their faces when they receive their presents.

Western New Mexico University Child Development Center's Giving Tree

The Western New Mexico University Child Development Center's giving tree program is expanding this year. With about 80 children and their siblings served, the center is reaching more families. The addition of a second tree at Miller Library provides more access for community members to participate. By describing the children's holiday wants and needs on the ornaments, it allows gift-givers to have a personal connection. The handmade clay ornaments as a gift of appreciation add a special touch.

The deadline for bringing wrapped gifts to the center by December 20 is crucial. The center also welcomes stocking stuffers of various items, showing the wide range of needs and interests of the children. The community's support last year has been gratefully received, and it enables the center to continue growing and providing happy holidays.

Bayard Toy Drive

The Bayard toy drive, in its third year, is focused on helping children in the Mining District community. Margie Estrada's efforts in accepting new and pre-owned toys in good condition, along with stockings and individually wrapped goodies, are making a difference. The drop-off hours from noon to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 104 Hurley Ave. make it convenient for people to contribute. The distribution of toys on or before December 21 ensures that children have something special to open on Christmas morning.

This toy drive is not limited to specific children but welcomes any child in need. It shows the community's unity in coming together to support the younger generation during the holiday season.