Fish Mitten Tree...
BRC Assists Mitten Tree Project 
December 1, 2011

Another FISH Mitten Tree has been erected to receive donated gloves and mittens to benefit children involved in Darke County Head Start programs. This addition to the community of trees can be found at the Brethren Retirement Community, 750 Chestnut Street in Greenville. Local citizens are invited to hang their donated mittens and gloves on the tree, which stands at the main entrance to the BRC next to the Brick Room and in front of the facility’s Reception Desk. 

A Mitten Tree is also located at Montage, 525 South Broadway, Greenville, and a third Mitten Tree stands in the Ben Franklin store, 4 West George Street in Arcanum. Many churches and organizations also erect trees to collect donations from their members, which are then passed on to FISH to be given to the little Head Start participants. 

The Brethren’s Retirement Community is annually decorated with many beautiful trees; however, according to Marilyn Delk, FISH volunteer coordinating the Mitten Tree, this tree is different from the others. “It’s not only festive, but it shares the true spirit of Christmas with little boys and girls who may not receive many other gifts,” Mrs. Delk said. To best meet the needs of children directly served by Head Start programs, donated gloves and mittens should fit boys and girls between the ages of 3 and 5. So that the mittens and gloves can be distributed prior to Christmas, contributions should be made by December 18. 

FISH is an ecumenical volunteer organization which responds to emergency food needs with a Choice Food Pantry currently open on Mondays from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesdays 10 a.m. until 11 a.m., and on Fridays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. No appointment is necessary to visit the Food Pantry; clients are eligible for help once every 28 days. The Fish phone number is 548-2000. For more information regarding the Mitten Tree, contact Marilyn Delk at 937-548-2482.