The City of Clearlake is sponsoring a Christmas Wish Tree for needy children this holiday season. The overwhelming success of last year”s program has led the city to continue its effort to ensure the joy of the season is felt by all in the community.
“Together we can all share in the true meaning of Christmas as we help a child to have a Christmas that will make a difference in their lives,” Councilmember Judy Thein said. “Last year we were able to make the Christmas wishes of 42 children come true. We decided to boost our efforts this year and our goal is to add more children to the list with the help of the community.”
The Christmas Wish Tree is located in the front counter lobby of Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive. The tree will have 60 ornaments on it with an identification number, sex, age and a gift idea for the child. The goal is to add more children should support permit.
The program was initiated last year by Councilmember Thein, whose wish was to carry on the legacy of her late daughter, Kellie. “This is something that Kellie did. It was a big part of her life every Christmas,” Thein said. “Kellie was magical when it came to children. They were the most important thing in her life. She can”t be here to carry this on but I can and it”s my wish to continue her legacy.”
City staff was extremely supportive of last year”s program. “City staff whole-heartedly supported this program last year with many staff members contributing several gifts. They are excited to see the Christmas Wish Tree back in city hall and we are all looking forward to sharing the season”s joys with our community”s children,” Thein said. “The magic of Christmas should be felt by every child and here in the City of Clearlake we hope that no child goes without feeling the joy of the season.”
To participate in the program, visit city hall and take an ornament from the Christmas Wish Tree. Then give the identification number on the ornament to Melissa Swanson, city clerk. The wrapped gift with the tag on it will need to be brought to city hall and delivered to Swanson by Friday, Dec. 12.
According to Thein, each child was given the opportunity to a make two or three wishes for Christmas Wish Tree program. The list of children was provided by various child service resources in Lake County.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her at 994-6444, ext. 11.
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