Gift-Giving Trees placed around city to encourage public to donate
This year, Gift-Giving Trees will be placed at several city facilities to encourage the public to donate a gift to someone in need.
The trees have more than 500 tags with information on what a child, elderly person, or veteran is requesting as a gift. This year also includes a first: gift requests from the City’s Animal Services dogs and cats.
“This year we were very excited that we have enough tags that we were able to include our furry friends at the Animal Shelter,” said Nicole Ferrini, El Paso’s Director of Community and Human Development department at Monday’s tree-lighting event at the El Paso International Airport.
The idea is that anyone can pick up a tag, buy the gift, and bring it back.
“It’s so important for all El Pasoans….to take a moment this season, and think about how you can give back,” said Ferrini.
“I’m excited to kick of this gift giving season and the season of joy. It’s important to remember people who are underprivileged,” said District 8 City Representative Cissy Lizarraga.
This year’s partners are the Reynolds Home, Bienvivir, YWCA Transitional Living Center, Opportunity Center-Magoffin SRO, Veterans Transitional Living Center, Texas Department of Health Services-Children with Special Health Care Needs, Ysleta Senior Housing, Mission Senior Housing, and El Paso Animal Services.
Gift-Giving Trees with tags are available at the following locations:
City 1, 300 N. Campbell City 3, 811 Texas Main Library, 501 N. Oregon El Paso Zoo, 4001 E. Paisano Streets Dept., 7968 San Paulo Code Compliance, 7969 San Paulo Environmental Services, 7968 San Paulo El Paso Int’l Airport, 6701 Convair
Although the project is targeted at city employees, we’re told anyone can participate.
‘When we make the commitment to put a tag on a tree, basically, our team has promised that agency we’re going to deliver a gift,” said Ferrini. “But at the end of the day, we’re not going to turn away anyone that wants to give.”
Gifts are due by December 14.
