How to make a holiday giving tree

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How to Make a Holiday Giving Tree


Want to help children's wishes come true this holiday season? Then set up a giving tree in your place of business.
Instructions

* STEP 1: Contact local social service agencies and civic organizations to let them know you'd like to host a giving tree.

* STEP 2: Expect that the agency will interview kids to find out what gifts they would most like to receive this holiday season.

* STEP 3: Remember that good locations for the trees include offices, stores, banks, restaurants, libraries, and colleges and universities.


* STEP 4: Buy a live or artificial tree and place it in the lobby, cafeteria or other area where many people pass through.

* STEP 5: Collect cards or card-stock "ornaments" that the coordinating agency has prepared containing a child's name, age and gift request.

* STEP 6: Hang the cards on the tree for people to see.

* STEP 7: Suggest that colleagues, family, friends and others select a wish they want to fulfill and remove the card from the tree.

* STEP 8: Ask the donor to purchase the gift requested and wrap it and return it to place under the tree.

* STEP 9: Remind them to attach the request card to be sure the gift is given to the right child.

* STEP 10: Arrange for the gifts to be delivered to the coordinating agency to give to the kids in time for Christmas.

* STEP 11: Check to be sure that every child's wish has been filled. You want to be sure that no one has been overlooked.

* STEP 12: Suggest that other area businesses help sponsor the activity, either by providing money for the gifts or by asking employees to fill the requests.


Tips & Warnings

* Be sure that the item each child requests is an appropriate choice.

* Begin a few months in advance so there will be plenty of time to collect and wrap all the gifts prior to the holidays.

* Help to host a holiday party for the kids for when they open their gifts.