Giving Tree needs support now more than ever

Monday, November 30, 2020

With the economic impact COVID-19 has had this year, Putnam County Giving Tree has more than 80 additional families needing assistance.

At least 255 families have signed up this year.

Most of the help for Giving Tree comes from churches and organizations that would normally be meeting at full capacity, but in 2020, things look a lot different in terms of how we all meet and shop.

Organizers would like to ask everyone to consider one of four ways to help fulfill the needs for all the families in the community, either through an Amazon Wishlist, in person at Simply Rustik, sponsoring a family or by making monetary donations.

To choose the Amazon option, go to Amazon Gift cards and registry then click on “Custom Gift List.” Then enter “Giving Tree” in the registrant name and scroll down to Putnam County Giving Tree and click on it. This opens to the wish list.

Check back often for updated last-minute requests.

Simply Rustik at 21 S. Indiana St., Greencastle, has a Christmas tree with traditional giving tree tags on it. Participants may select tags, shop and drop them back off there. Hours are Tuesday through Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday noon-4 p.m.

Gifts have to be returned by Dec. 14.

Participants may sponsor a family ranging from one to six children. Call 301-6170 for sponsorship.

Finally, donors may make monetary donations via mail or online. The Giving Tree mailing address is P.O. Box 251, Greencastle, IN 46135.

Online donations are accepted at philtheneed.net.

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  • This is a great service for families. However, in years past it has been abused by families signing up all over town for free gifts. This meant some families were slighted and others overflowing. I am not a Grinch by any means but I have worked for an agency that offered the Giving Tree and at the last minute were out shopping because we didn't have enough for everyone. I want every child to have Christmas presents. That's what it is all about.

    -- Posted by Queen53 on Tue, Dec 1, 2020, at 10:38 AM
  • The program I worked for required IDs and cross checked them with other programs. It was quite effective in reducing double dipping and making sure everyone got the help they needed.

    -- Posted by techphcy on Wed, Dec 2, 2020, at 2:56 PM
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