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.”
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.
Don”t forget to write!
The Clear Lake Observer*American welcomes letters responding to articles and opinions that have appeared in this newspaper, as well as on topics of general interest. Letters can be sent to ObserverAmerican@gmail.com or mailed to PO Box 6200, Clearlake, CA 95422. Please include complete name, address and telephone number. Anonymous submissions will be discarded.
