Sign up now for Elf Tree

The Department of Family Services is now taking applications for the annual Elf Tree.

Annette Arey with DFS explained if someone feels they will not be able to provide Christmas presents for their children — ages 0-17 — they can stop by the DFS office at 403 Big Horn and pick up an application with pertinent information related to the child and gifts, such as what they would like to receive and clothing size.

The information is put on a tag, and the tags decorate the tree. Arey noted signups will be taken through Dec. 12. Last year’s tree saw 126 tags.

The Elf Tree is up at Thermopolis Hardware. Those who want to make someone’s holiday brighter can stop by the tree and take a tag, purchase a gift for the child to which it refers, wrap the present and attach the tag then return it to Thermopolis Hardware or the DFS office.

Arey said if not all the tags are taken off the tree, donated toys and those bought with donated funds are used to make up the difference. It’s very important for people to remember if they take a tag they need to buy a gift, as it can be hard for people who sign up for the tree to expect a gift and not get one.