Eagles Giving Tree launches for children’s clothing

Colfax Boy Scouts Erik Christensen, Tanner Senter, Tucker Senter and Gene Gibbler hang stockings on The Giving Tree at U.S. Bank. This tree is sponsored by the Colfax Eagles and is to collect clothing for children in need. Six scouts participated Tuesday in hanging the stockings on the Seahawks-themed tree at the bank. Not pictured are Adrian Antoine and Gordon Tassell.

With holiday celebrations now in full swing, Boy Scouts were at U.S. Bank Tuesday to launch the Colfax Eagles Giving Tree.

Accompanied by Michele Olson of the Eagles, the scouts helped to hang stockings on the tree. Each stocking is for a child and details clothing items the child needs.

“People can pick a stocking and purchase things that the parents have listed that the children need,” said Gail Webster, who organizes the Giving Tree with the Eagles.

The Eagles Giving Tree drive is for clothing only, and stockings can be found at U.S. Bank, Columbia Bank and the post office.

Olson said the Giving Tree was really busy last year.

“We do a lot,” she said. “I think we had over 60 kids on the tree last year.”

Earlier this year, the Colfax Eagles organized Coats for Colfax to help provide winter coats for children. That was organized in response to Olson noticing that coats were often requested on the lists provided by parents. Though the coat drive was successful and there are still coats available, requests for coats are still on some lists.

“I am still getting requests for coats, so I will have to go shopping for coats,” said Olson. “I just want to make sure everybody gets coats.”

Webster said Coats for Colfax will continue next year and possibily beyond.

“That’s going to be a growing thing,” she said. “Hopefully it will be better next year. Things like this have to evolve.”

Applications to be a recipient from the Eagles Giving Tree are available at the Department of Social and Health Services, Whitman County Health Department, the Colfax Pantry and the Colfax Eagles. Olson said applications can also be available by mail.

Applications will also be available at the COAST office today. Applications are due by Dec. 15, Webster said.

“There are plently of applications out, we just have to make sure that the people who need this service know where to get the applications,” said Webster.

All donations to the Giving Tree remain in Colfax, and the donations will be distributed before Christmas.

Webster said that financial contributions are also welcomed, and those can be donated to the Eagles Giving Tree account at U.S. Bank.