CVHC Wishing Tree needs names and elves
The Mission Committee of Clearwater Valley Hospital and Clinics is once again
sponsoring the Wishing Tree for children in need. This is the 18th year for the
program. Low income family members can call 476-8035, the CVHC Lab, to leave the
name and list of needs for any child under the age of 12. Forms are also
available at the clinic reception desk.
Names and gift requests will be accepted until Monday, Dec. 14. All information is confidential.
The child’s name is assigned a number and his/her gift items are listed on a paper star ornament which is then hung on the Wishing Tree in the clinic reception area.
Elves from the hospital staff and elves from the community then chose a star or two, shop for the items, wrap them, reattach the star and bring the items to the tree before Friday, Dec. 18. Members of the Mission Committee notify the family to pick up the gifts or they deliver them, if necessary.
Parents calling will also be asked for the child’s clothing and shoe size in case the elves want to also purchase clothing items. A dollar limit of $40 is established for elves. Because of this limit no Nintendo or Playstation requests will be honored. Callers will be asked to leave a phone number where they can be reached.
Over 125 children are typically served each year. “Some times families come on hard times and a little extra help during holiday time can relieve that burden,” said Sr. Corinne Forsman, CVHC Mission Services. “We’re glad to coordinate this program because it also provides the community with an opportunity to focus on the true meaning of Christmas.”
Anyone interested in donating, financially, to the Wishing Tree is also welcome.
Checks can be made out to Wishing Tree Fund, Clearwater Valley Hospital, 301 Cedar St, Orofino, Idaho 83544.
‘We use those funds for last minute shopping when there are still a few stars left on the tree,” said Iola Plank, Mission Committee member. “We also try to make sure the children within one family receive approximately an equal value in gifts. We also welcome donations of wrapping paper and gift wrap supplies to wrap the last minute gifts. The community has always been very generous through the Wishing Tree. It’s really heart warming.”