Another Christmas has come and gone. The Giving Tree at Island Market had approximately 195 children on it this year. This is up from the previous years.

With the economy and lack of work in the winter, we were expecting high numbers this year. The Giving Tree went up a week before Thanksgiving to provide people the opportunity to come in and pick a tag and be able to shop the day after Thanksgiving on Black Friday.

The response was overwhelming. Tags were being signed out at a rapid rate. People would come in and search the tree for the tag that spoke to them the most.

Word got out there would not be a Toys for Tots this year, and people really wanted to participate. We had a lot of people come in and inquire about the tree for the first time and then take a tag with them. Every tag was taken and every wish filled.

I would like to extend a “thank you” to the following: Island Market, Kaleidoscope, Orcas Family Connections Resource center, the Lion’s Club, the Salvation Army and Island Hardware. The biggest “thank you” goes to the community.  Without you none of this would be possible. Thank you for your generosity and your giving heart.

Judy Lindgren

Island Market Giving Tree