Season of Giving Shines in Dayton
Community's Generosity Lifts Spirits
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The packages were piling up in the front window of Dingle's of Dayton, where Mindy Betzler, owner of Dingle's of Dayton, contributes space and visibility for "The Giving Tree," a local, grass-roots effort that gives local people an opportunity to give to those in need a Merry Christmas.
DAYTON–Christmas is a joyous time of year for many, as families and friends gather to exchange presents and enjoy being together amid the glittering holiday decorations typical of many homes around here and around the world. But for many, Christmas most likely includes anxiety and melancholy, in cases where expenses outpace income and a family might be hard pressed to cover anything other than basic needs.
Around Columbia County, the Christmas spirit shows up in force as people contribute to make some local childrens' Christmas a little brighter and a parent's holiday season a little better overall.
This year, the Giving Tree will touch 31 families and their children, according to Anndrea Anderson, who oversees a team of volunteers whose efforts match local people with giving hearts with less-fortunate members of the community.
The Christmas tree in the front window of Dingle's of Dayton had been collecting wrapped presents since Black Friday. This week, the gifts were delivered to Dingle's and recipients will come in to pick them up Friday.
Organizers collaborated with school administrators and staff to offer families in need some help, and paper stars anonymously identified a child's "want" and "need." Members of the public visiting Dingles were able to choose a recipient to provide a gift for, and the gift was delivered to Dingles where, in turn, they were distributed to the families. Individuals not willing or unable to shop for a specific gift were able to donate money so gifts could be purchased.
Cash donations are still accepted, Anderson said, and every dollar goes to the Giving Tree. Any surplus money is banked until next year.
"So many people are instrumental in helping this program succeed," Anderson said. "Without the support of the other people, it just wouldn't happen."
The project started several years ago with Dan and Rosy Nechodom and was located at the Country Cupboard Bakery. When the Nechodoms passed the baton to Anderson and a team of volunteers, and the bakery location was no longer available, Betzler and Mary Bly-Morgan of Dingle's of Dayton stepped up to provide a place for the tree.
