Both the Sweet Home Police Department and the Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District have begun their annual Christmas tree gifts-for-children programs.
The fire department’s Christmas for Kids Sharing Tree Program focuses on children from infants to 12 years old, while the Police Department ‘s Teen Blue Santa Christmas Tree serves young people ages 13-17.
Here are the details:
The fire department’s Sharing Tree toy program matches children with donors who provide gifts for them. Names of children and needy families are written on tags that are then placed on the tree. Those who desire to help those in need are asked to come to the Fire Station at 1099 Long St., and choose a name or names from the tree. Purchase the item(s) on the tag, wrap the gifts, and then return them to the Fire Department by Dec. 12. Tags left on the Sharing Tree will be taken by the local fire department personnel, who will purchase gifts to fill those requests. Those requesting gifts will be able to pick up their gifts from the fire department Dec. 19 and 20.
Those who wish to sponsor an entire family can do so through the Adopt a Family program. Forms are available at the fire district office. For information, call (541) 367-5882.
Cash donations may also be made to SHFAD office for the Christmas for Kids Sharing Tree toy program. All cash donations will be used to purchase toys and needed clothing for local children.
Names of children and families needing assistance will be placed on the “Sharing Tree” at the Fire Department starting Monday, Oct. 31.
In 2015 approximately 390 children and over 180 families requested assistance during the Christmas season. The needs in our community increase every year, and this year we anticipate the same.
To have a child’s name placed on the Christmas Sharing Tree, fill out a request form that can be picked up at the Sweet Home Fire and Ambulance District office, 1099 Long St., between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Forms must be returned to the fire department by Friday, Nov. 25.
The fire department is also coordinating with Sweet Home Emergency Ministry’s “Christmas Food Basket” program.
Forms for the food basket program need to be picked up at SHEM, 1115 Long St. Food baskets will be prepared for delivery in time for Christmas. Those who wish to can donate to the Food Basket Program in the form of cash, clothing and non-perishable food items.
The Police Department’s Teen Blue Santa Christmas tree will accept gift request applications starting Nov. 1, through Dec. 2. Applications can be picked up at the police dispatch window at 1950 Main St. or can be mailed or emailed.
Parents or guardians of teens will be notified and wrapped presents will be delivered to the child’s home the week of Christmas by police officers and the department’s own Santa Blue in a police vehicle or arrangements can be made to pick up at the police department.
To be eligible, children must live in, be enrolled in and actively attending school in the Sweet Home School District, and must claim residence with the parent/guardian/person completing the application. Only one request form per address will be accepted.
The Teen Blue Santa Christmas tree will be set up in the SHPD lobby starting Nov. 23.
Those wishing to take a star off the tree and shop for a local teen are welcome to purchase, wrap and deliver a gift no later than Dec. 12 to ensure prompt delivery to the teenage recipient before Christmas.
For more information on the teen tree, contact Gina at (541) 367-5181.