The Sycamore Tree is getting its Christmas wish list ready early this year, not for what it wants but for what it hopes to give others.
Described by its president Jeanne Crawford as a benevolence ministry set up exclusively for the residents of Pierce County, the Sycamore Tree assists those from the local community in need with everything from household items, clothing, food and even utility bills.
Crawford says the Sycamore Tree always helps as best it can and much of that is dependent upon the generosity of partner organizations and giving donors.
“We have emergency food that can get you through the night, until they can get to the Pierce Food Pantry with whom we work closely,” says Crawford. “And we try to help with past due utility bills, but not if it has already been disconnected. We don’t do reconnects.”
Crawford stresses that it is important for those in need to turn for help before things become a crisis, which is why she and others working with the organization already have Christmas on their minds.
“Often people needing the Sycamore Tree’s assistance are not thinking about Christmas right now,” says Crawford.
She says letters are going out via school counselors this month so that aid can be discretely offered for the coming holiday season. The goal is to set up now the initial meetings that can help a Christmas miracle happen later in the season.
Whether the parents show up with a letter or they just arrive during the Sycamore Tree’s hours of operation, after verifying their I.D. and mail to prove residency in Pierce County, the meeting opens with a prayer. Two volunteers talk with the parents to assess their family’s needs.
“We also talk about their children,” says Crawford, “What they like, what they are into. By mid-November we want to have completed the meetings to learn the kids’ likes and dislikes, so we can try to find gifts that will fit them.”
Then December 16 is the walk through. One of the Sycamore Tree’s “angels” assists a parent in selecting toys for their young ones. A point system is in place with different point values assigned to each gift to ensure there is something for everyone.
In an ideal world, Crawford would like to see more than enough gifts for everyone.
“Donations are down, but people are still struggling, maybe more than ever,” says Crawford.
But she hopes this year will see a renewal of the giving hearts throughout the community that make the Sycamore Tree’s mission possible.
“The Sycamore Tree was birthed out of First Baptist Church in 2011,” says Crawford. “But it has grown to work with many other local churches, the Church of God, Presbyterian, Methodist, Patterson Baptist and more.”
Crawford says it is never too early to think about brightening a needy child’s Christmas.
The Sycamore Tree is open every week on Tuesdays from 9 a.m - 1 p.m. Donations of new or gently used, like-new toys and gifts are gratefully accepted.
If you would like more information about how to donate or to get help for a child this holiday season please call the Sycamore Tree are 912-807-HOPE (4673).
