The Salvation Army kicked-off their ‘gift tree’ at the Parkland Mall in Yorkton today.
Lieutenant Samuel Tim said the idea of the tree is a simple one. Located in the Mall concourse the tree is hung with cards which identify specific needs in terms of gifts. While no one is specifically named, the age and sex of the child is noted.
People can stop by the tree, pick a card, or two, and then head out to shop for the youngster, explained Tim.
Once a gift toy is purchased, it is brought back to the tree where they can be left in boxes, with Salvation Army picking them and ultimately distributing them to youth who have applied for Christmas hampers.
Tim said the program was started last year, and the response with 1,000 toys collected. That was a hyge help in terms of gift hampers, especially for children aged 12-14, which can be more difficult to find age-appropriate for.
Kim Spilchen, Marketing Coordinator at the Mall said the program is one they are happy to be involved with.
“This is our opportunity to give back to less fortunate families in the community,” she said.
The tree with the gift need cards will be at the mall from Nov. 16 to Dec. 16.
