Christmas, the time to give
By Kate Johnson
Christmas is known as the most wonderful time of the year. However, not everyone gets that feeling.
The businesses and people within the community have taken it upon themselves to make everyone feel special this holiday. They have gone the extra mile – as they do most years - to give to those less fortunate.
Women’s Action Resource Center (WARC) has been the leading force behind the community coming together to meet the needs of many. Yearly, WARC puts together their annual Angel Tree Project, gifting to families in need throughout the community. Families come into WARC and fill out an angel for the child or children in their family -- no names, just gender, age, size, and any specifics needed -- in hopes strangers will purchase gifts for their child’s needs.
As the tree sits with angels hanging from its branches, anyone can pluck an angel from the tree. For every angel not purchased, WARC does what it can to fill the needs of that family.
Angel Trees can be found at First Security Bank West, Capital Credit Union, US Bank, Union Bank (Beulah/Hazen), and West River Telecom.
Along with the Angel Trees, the Hazen Lions Club has set up a tree in Union State Bank, Hazen. However, this tree is called a “Mitten Tree.” There is always a need for warm gear during the colder months that some may not be able to afford. The Lions’ Mitten Tree is open for people to hang their donations from. Donations can include: mittens, caps, earmuffs, and/or scarves. The items collected by this tree will be given to WARC and the Hazen Food Pantry.
Lastly, Bronson’s Marketplace has partnered with WARC to support local community families in need. Kim Kessler, co-owner of Bronson’s Marketplace, said they have always wanted to do something over the holidays for the community and, after speaking with WARC Director Lisa Weisz, she realized the need for it.
