CLEARLAKE ? The City of Clearlake is inviting the community to join in its celebration of the season by participating in the third annual Christmas Wish Tree program benefiting disadvantaged children in the area.
Gifts will be delivered to children signed up for the program through Child Protective Services and Lake Family Resource Center.
“There are so many rewards in participating in this program. Not only do we get to touch the lives of children but they touch our hearts as well,” Clearlake Vice Mayor Judy Thein said. “It really makes you count your blessings and give thanks for what you have and what you are able to do for the children of our community.”
This year marks the third annual event. In three short years, Thein said the program has grown tremendously. “I”m really pleased with how much this program has grown. The first year we served 50 local children and last year we were able to serve 156. This year we are working hard to grant the Christmas wishes of 200 children,” she said.
Participation, Thein said, is simple. Located at Clearlake City Hall is a magnificent Christmas tree adorned with paper ornaments. Each ornament has an identification number as well as gender, age and a gift idea for the child. To participate, simply come to city hall, pick out an ornament and register the identification number with the city clerk. Wrapped gifts with the selected ornament attached must be returned to city hall by Dec. 9.
“There is a lot of support for this program within city hall itself but it takes the support of the community to ensure all the children on our list receive gifts,” Thein said. “Anyone who would like to make a difference in the life of a child in need is encouraged and welcome to come to city hall and pick out an ornament from our Wish Tree.”
Thein said if you”re too busy to shop, volunteers will take care of that for you. “You can make a monetary donation and we will be happy to do the shopping for you,” she said. “A special fund has been set up for donations and checks can be made payable to the City of Clearlake marked ?Christmas Wish Tree.””
Clearlake City Hall is located at 14050 Olympic Drive. Regular hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. For additional information contact Clearlake City Clerk Melissa Swanson at 994-8201, ext. 106.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
