A longstanding Christmas Giving Tree program in Mancos could lead residents to turn Black Friday into Silver Friday.<\/p>\n
Silver is associated with the act of giving, and to ensure that all locals have a joyous Christmas, applications for the Mancos Christmas Giving Tree project have been extended through Dec. 6. Entering its 16th consecutive year, the Christmas Giving Tree program officially launches in Mancos on Thanksgiving Day.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is what Christmas is supposed to be about,\u201d said volunteer Lori Elworthy. \u201cDoing for others.\u201d<\/p>\n
About 150 names are placed annually on Giving Trees across town, urging residents to share their generosity with the less fortunate. Residents retrieve an ornament from a Giving Tree, and purchase the listed items.<\/p>\n
\u201cMost of the gifts are for children, but we also have needs for some of our elderly residents too,\u201d explained Elworthy.<\/p>\n
Names and suggested gifts come from schools, friends, family members \u2013 anyone. To nominate a recipient, applications are available through local churches, Mancos School system, Housing Authority, Head Start and Visitors Center. Applications may be filed at www.mancosvalley.com.<\/p>\n
\u201cNone of the applications are denied,\u201d Elworthy said.<\/p>\n
Elworthy said Christmas spirit is evidenced when complete strangers purchase gifts for people they don\u2019t even know. Beginning Nov. 27, the trees will be at the P&D, Columbine, Zuma, Mancos Valley Bank and the Mancos Library.<\/p>\n
Gifts must be returned with attached ornament by Dec. 20 to ensure delivery by Christmas morning.<\/p>\n
Info: Lori Elworthy at 799-0159.<\/p>\n