CLEARLAKE — The Christmas Wish Tree program at Clearlake City Hall received a couple of positive boosts this week. Recent contributions have allowed for the addition of 49 children who are now sure to receive a gift this Christmas.
“The Christmas Wish Tree started with 60 ornaments and now, thanks to the generosity of our Lake County residents, we have been able to add another 49 children to the Wish Tree,” Councilmember Judy Thein, who spearheads the program, said. “It”s very heartwarming to see so many members of our community open their hearts to help our less fortunate children. Their contributions mean so much and will help make the Christmas wish of a child come true.”
Thein reported that a total of $667 was donated to the Christmas Wish Tree program this week. She said the support expressed by members of the Thursday Morning Judge”s Breakfast group was unimaginable. “I was hoping to get some donations but I never imagined they would come together to contribute $467 to Christmas Wish Tree program,” she said. “I told them a little bit about the program and then we passed the hat and it came back with more money in it than I could have ever dreamed of.”
Thein further reported that Wal-Mart extended its support this week as well. She said she was seeking a discount for purchasing gifts for the program but management was unable to grant the request. Instead, the store donated $200 to the Christmas Wish Tree program she said.
Thein said the support extended by members of city staff has been especially positive. “Not only has the community been extremely supportive of the program, but members of city staff have been going above and beyond what can be expected from any one person. Many of them have been volunteering their time to do the shopping and gift wrapping, making ornaments for the tree and just giving their all for the sake of our community”s children,” she said. “Staff members as well as many people from the community have already come to city hall and chosen their special child for the program.”
Thein said she is impressed by the all the effort put forth by so many this holiday season. “It”s a real tribute to the season to see so many of our local agencies working independently and cooperatively to ensure that a joyful holiday season reaches each and every child in our community,” she said. “If people continue to open their hearts and give what they can, then I”m sure not one child in our community will be left out this Christmas.”
Another effort to serve under-privileged children and families is being conducted by the Lake County Community Action Agency in partnership with Toys For Tots. Collection boxes have been placed in various locations throughout the south county. The LCCAA program also includes a holiday dinner basket along with the gifts for the children.
Today, Dec. 6, the Rotary Club of Clearlake is hosting a free holiday dinner, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Burns Valley Elementary School. All members of the community are invited and each child will receive a special gift from Santa.
For more information regarding the Christmas Wish Tree program, visit Clearlake City Hall at 14050 Olympic Drive.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
