The faces of the Giving Tree this year,
All have an extra shadow of fear.
This year they are covered with masks,
Feeding and clothing their children is all they ask.
Finances were stretched already,
COVID made them really unsteady.
COVID has turned all our worlds upside down,
Behind the masks, everyone has a frown.
Eyes are so sad,
Times have been really bad.
The Giving Tree MUST do its work,
We can’t stop because the world is berserk.
Thirty-three families depend on our church,
Online we must now search.
One hundred twenty-nine children need joys,
Shopping for clothes and toys.
Let’s fill Stern Hall to the walls,
Eight little girls want LOL Surprise dolls.
Fishing poles and tackle boxes for fun,
Looking to happy days in the sun.
Footballs to throw,
Art supplies make their hearts glow.
Three little girls want doll babies and strollers,
Boys want games to use with their systems and
controllers.
We need remote control cars,
And bikes with streamers on the handle bars.
One family lives off the grid,
Rechargeable batteries for this kid.
Bib overalls are what one boy needs,
“Help us!” each family pleads.
Each child gets 2 toys,
It’s okay if they make music or noise.
They get 2 shirts, 2 pants, and a pair of boots or shoes,
How can we refuse?
The only gifts they receive are the ones we supply,
The parents just can’t afford to buy.
Children also get a warm jacket,
Children come in every age bracket.
We have a single mom doing odd jobs to pay the rent,
Money is important, down to each cent.

We have 2 great grandmothers with cancer,
One needs home repairs, will you answer?
We have families running out of food,
Broken beds that need to be glued.
Or better yet, buy them new,
Families need love and hope to get through.
We need everyone’s assistance,
To improve all our family’s meager existence.
Go online to Target or Walmart,
Add some gifts to your cart.
If you don’t want to shop,
Donate and into the store Judy will pop.
Thank you for giving our families Christmas pleasure,
By sharing your treasure.
Thank you and God Bless,
For your love and Giving Tree faithfulness.

Vickie Nicholson