Ways to give back this holiday season

Locally, there are a few ways to give back to the community this Christmas. Two of those are the Angel tree and the Elf tree.

Angel tree

Names for the 2019 Senior Citizen Angel Tree are available at Bank of Thermopolis. With the amazing response to the event last year, there’s plenty excitement to share the experience with the community again.

All gifts for the tree need to be wrapped and returned no later than Dec. 16, to ensure the seniors receive their gifts by Christmas.

The tree is sponsored by the bank as well as Thermopolis Rehab and Wellness and the Wyoming Pioneer Home. For any questions, call the bank at 864-3787.

Elf tree

Christmas will be here before you know it and there are families in Hot Springs County who could use a little extra help this year when it comes to presents under the tree.

The Annual Department of Family Services’ Elf Tree will be on display this year at Storyteller.

Families may sign up to be on the Elf Tree through Dec. 13. Children from birth to age 17 are eligible to have a tag on the tree listing the items they would like to have for Christmas.

Included on the tag is the child’s age, clothing sizes and what they would like for Christmas. All you have to do is pick a tag or two and do the shopping and wrapping to ensure they have a happy holiday.

The last date to pick up tags this year will be Dec. 18 and packages must be wrapped, tagged and delivered back to DFS by Dec. 20.

Applications to be included on the Elf Tree are available now at the DFS office. If you have any questions, please call Robin Mischke at 864-2158, extension 10.