Tree of Hearts helps less fortunate families

They say Christmas is the most wonderful time of year. With kids jingle belling

and everyone telling you, “be of good cheer.” But what about the children that don’t have any presents under their tree?

That’s why local businesses and the Sanders County Sheriffs Office participate in the annual Tree of Hearts event.

“It’s part of what they do for those who don’t have much,” said Margaret McNeil of McGowans. “They’re the ones that don’t have a job or are underprivileged.”

Each tree of hearts is covered with hearts bearing the age and sex of a child in need. Those wanting to help a less fortunate child this Christmas can pick a heart and then purchase or make a gift for that child. Please include only non-perishables gifts, and no clothing other than hats and mittens.

Those involved should wrap the gift and re-attach the heart to the outside and bring it back to the business where you received it, or to the Sanders County Sheriffs Office no later than Dec. 19.

‘We take them up to the check and then they’re sorted out,” Event coordinator Donna Neal said. “We set it up where we do the food baskets and everything and we do it all at the same time.”

In addition to the present, each family will a food basket including a turkey dinner with trimmings. Both the food basket and the gifts are deliverd by Sanders County Sheriffs Deputies on the day before Christmas.

“Then those children can have a Christmas like other kids,” said McNeil. “That’s what it’s about.”

Less fortunate families who would like to receive presents and a food basket can fill out an application at several places in Sanders County: Two J’s in Hot Springs, the Dixon Post Office, The Plains Post Office, McGowans in Plains, Harvest Foods in Thompson Falls, the Local Store in Trout Creek and Noxon Mercantile.

McGowans and the Mangy Moose currently have trees, and although they have not yet received their tree, Mountain West Clothing in Plains has requested a tree and will have one this holiday season.