In light of the Giving Tree successes, I would like to share this letter that was sent to Orcas Family Connections.

“Thank you to everyone who gave gifts to children through the community tree at Island Market, or donated presents through Kaleidoscope this year. You made spirits bright in many Orcas Island homes on Christmas morning!

“To the person who bought my little boy a train set and some great books on machines, I wish you could have seen the way his eyes lit up when he saw the train tracks – perhaps his favorite thing in all the world right now. It brought a huge smile to my face to watch his joy and excitement. My daughter received a stuffed kitten and a pretty notebook and immediately began teaching her kitten her ABCs with total absorption. If not for the community tree, there would not have been much under our tree this year.

“I had tea with a single mom friend last week and smiled to see the familiar community tree tags on small piles of gifts in her living room. They were the only gifts under her tree.

“Thank you for making Christmas merry for all of us.”

I would like to thank the mother who wrote this letter for taking the time to share her gratitude.

Happy New Year everyone!

Erin O’Dell

Orcas Family Connections