Contributed report:
With Christmas just around the corner organizers of Maple Lakes Giving Tree/Secret Santa are asking you to give what you can – to help Santa help kids, the handicapped and the elderly of Maple Lake community. As you see toy collection boxes in the community, know the toys or gifts that are dropped off at these sites will stay for residents in the Maple Lake area. Local businesses hosting a collection box this year are: Starbank- Maple Lake location, Irish Blessings Coffee Shop, The Costume Shoppe, Dollar General, Cuddigan Leather, Nutrition is Our Mission and St. Timothy’s Church. Boxes will be set up Nov. 19 through Dec. 7. This year, organizers are encouraging shoppers to support local businesses and be aware of longer shipping times if online shopping.
Suggested gift items.
For senior and handicapped adults: Sweaters, craft kits, books (large print), baskets, stationary, postage stamps, lap blankets, gloves, socks, shirts, cologne, slippers, personal hygiene items and sleep wear, bird feeders, bird seed, mixed or ‘fancy’ nuts.
For teenagers (an area that always runs short): Perfume, after shave, body sprays/ cologne, hats, scarves, gloves, books, jewelry (pierced earrings), belts, socks, clothing, headphones/ earbuds, fishing gear, hockey sticks, sports equipment, games, models, craft kits, watches, wallets, curling iron, pijamas, hair dryers, and make-up bags.
For children: Puzzles, trucks, cars, Legos, tractors, board games/electronic, plastic sleds, coloring books/crayons, educational toys, books, dolls, doll clothing, craft items, pretend toys (dishes, iron etc), hats, mittens, gloves, clothing, and socks.
For infants: Soft boots, squeak toys, blankets, musical toys, soft dolls, wind-up toys, socks, educational toys, hats, colorful toys, mittens, sleepers, and clothing.
Food and cash donations
You can also support the Giving Tree/ Silent Santa by donating non-perishable food items or making a cash donation. As you do your grocery shopping, please think about what you’d like to contribute. Toiletry items are always welcomed; toothpaste, facial tissue, lotion, etc. They cannot accept home-canned items or expired food items. Donations can be placed in the business toy collection boxes. Cash donations can be dropped off or mailed to St. Timothy’s Catholic Church “c/o Giving Tree” at 8 Oak Avenue North, Maple Lake or at Starbank Maple Lake, “c/o Giving Tree” at 100 State Highway 55 E, Maple Lake. A link has been set up under St. Timothy’s Catholic Church website at www.churchofsttimothy.org, click under “Donate”, select “Giving Tree Donation” to make a one time contribution.
Sign up to receive
Applications for this program can be obtained from the St. Timothy Catholic Church parish office in Maple Lake Monday- Thursday 10 a.m. – 3 p.m, by email parishoffice@churchofsttimothy.org, or Wright County Human Services in Buffalo. These applications are due back by Friday, December 3. Distribution date is Friday, Dec. 10 at St. Timothy’s Church from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Additional questions can be answered by calling Liz at 763-913-5548. All information is confidential.
“Thank you to all who support and contribute in making the Giving Tree and Silent Santa a success in Maple Lake,” organizers said.