Getting gifts from Christmas tree angels

Susan Schell

of the Gateway

Each card attached to the Christmas tree represents a real person — one with a face, a hope and a dream that the holiday season will grant them a simple wish.

Those wishes are being fulfilled with the generosity of businesses and patrons in conjunction with the Salvation Army through the Giving Tree program. Participating businesses erect a small Christmas tree adorned with cards that represent what someone wants for Christmas.

Maj. Ruth Sundin, corps officer for the Tacoma-Pierce County Salvation Army, said the program has been operating for more than 10 years. They receive requests for gifts through their social service offices and nursing homes.

“There are seniors out there who have no families,” she said. “There are people out of work and families on limited incomes. We try to help out anyone in need.”

Tish Machtolf, owner of 1-2-3 Fit in Gig Harbor, said she decided to get involved because it’s a national program, and it’s something in which all 1-2-3 Fit franchises can participate.

“We not only have children on our tree, but we have seniors and people that live in group homes that don’t have anyone to be with on Christmas,” Machtolf said. “We have cards that represent special people that are needy. We receive the names from the Salvation Army, and each card represents a person.”

Machtolf said customers can pick a card and purchase the item requested on it as a gift.

“The cards request certain things, from robes to teddy bears, to bicycles,” she said. “People select one or two cards, go and purchase the item, and they bring them back. We’ve had a tremendous response from our staff.”

When Peninsula School District Assistant Superintendent Shannon Wiggs spied a request for a fluffy robe and a scarf for a 77-year-old woman, she couldn’t help going on an impromptu shopping trip.

“Being in education, we’re always doing stuff for kids,” Wiggs said. “When I went to work out, it caught my eye that there was this 77-year-old woman named Willy, and all she wanted was a robe and a scarf. I thought that was kind of cute. She was a size small, and I thought, ‘Oh, she’s little, and she must be cold.’

“I bought her a blue, cozy robe and some slippers and a nice, soft, cushy scarf. It was neat to do something like this.”

Bartell’s and Fred Meyer in Gig Harbor also are participating in the program, which will run through the end of the month. The Salvation Army will pick up the gifts by Dec. 20 for distribution.

Reach Lifestyles Coordinator and reporter Susan Schell at 253-853-9240 or by e-mail at susan.schell@gateline.com.