Decorate the Mitten Tree

The Fish Mitten Tree is once again waiting to be decorated with donated gloves and mittens; these donations will be distributed to the children enrolled in Darke County Head Start programs. In addition to the Mitten Tree located at Montage, 525 South Broadway, Greenville, a Mitten Tree also stands inside the Brethren Retirement Community, 750 Chestnut Street, Greenville and in the Ben Franklin store, 4 West George Street in Arcanum. Many churches and organizations also erect trees which collect gloves and mittens from their members; these donations are then passed on to Fish to be given to the little Head Start participants. The Mitten Tree has been an annual holiday project of the local Fish organization for over forty years.

“The Mitten Tree provides the opportunity for people of all ages and incomes to participate in the true spirit of the season,” said Marilyn Delk, the Fish volunteer who is coordinating the Mitten Tree project. “We sincerely hope that our generous neighbors will be able to once again this year spare the relatively small amount required to purchase a pair of mittens or gloves and bring joy and warmth to local children who may not receive many other gifts this Christmas,” Mrs. Delk concluded.

To best meet the needs of children directly served by Head Start programs throughout the county, donated gloves and mittens should fit boys and girls age 5 and under; however, donated items in larger sizes will be shared with Head Start families. So that the mittens and gloves can be distributed prior to Christmas, contributions should be made by December 16. For more information regarding the Mitten Tree, contact Mrs. Delk at 937-548-2482.

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 from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m., and on Fridays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. No appointment is necessary to visit the Food Pantry; clients are eligible for help once every four weeks. The Fish phone number is 548-2000.