The next time you enter the YMCA, the Tree of Giving will greet you. On Tuesday, Nov. 20, it was carried into its place of honor in the main lobby. It might look like a traditional evergreen tree for the holiday, but it means much more.

For over 15 years, the YMCA has done a Tree of Giving event. Cut-out decorations are hung from the tree with a special message – a wish for a gift that could bring the recipient great joy and could only be a dream, if not for the kindness and charity of someone who fulfills the wish.

YMCA Director of Youth & Teen Services Logahn Walker has been busy coordinating the event with her committee. It is a big job. Each year, they review how the event can be improved. In previous years, hand-cut paper mittens were hung on the tree with gift wishes, but this year the cut-outs look like gift tags, big to be easy to read. 

The tag names and describes the wish. For privacy, a reference number corresponds with the name and address of the child or family making the wish.

Application forms were made available and every effort was made to insure all who might be in need were encouraged to apply.  

Any person, group or business can now stop by to select as many tags as they would like to take care of.  The gifts should be bought, wrapped and turned in with the tag tied on top by Dec. 14.

This year, 36 families and 88 children on the Boothbay peninsula are being served.  Central Lincoln County YMCA in Damariscotta is conducting the same event.

Walker said BRYMCA gets help from many community partners such as the Boothbay Region Garden Club, Boothbay Harbor Town Hall, Boothbay Animal Hospital, Coast Guard Station, St. Columba's Episcopal Church, Congregational Church, LincolnHealth/St. Andrews Campus, Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, Dead River Company, Community Navigator and all the schools on the peninsula. 

The Tree of Giving embodies the spirit of giving.  Go out on a limb this season and pick as many tags as possible to ensure a Merry Christmas for everyone. For more information, call Walker at 633-2855.