SOUTH FORK— In a meeting held at the beginning of September, Rio Grande Public Health Director Emily Brown approached the Rio Grande Board of County Commissioners to request their approval to participate in the annual Community Banks of Colorado Giving Tree program. Brown explained that the program has been launched by the bank in order to offer an additional program for children in need in the area and that it has been very successful.
Commissioners agreed that the program was a great way for local residents in the area to participate in a charitable program and that are were in full support of partnering with bank staff in order for the program to continue. Brown stated that the Rio Grande Public Health helps the bank by delivering presents gathered throughout the month of December and getting them to children in need throughout the Valley.
Community Banks of Colorado in South Fork will again be hosting the giving tree within their South Fork branch for the fifth year. Beginning on Dec. 1, the bank will host an open house event with warm beverages and light snacks. Patrons and residents of South Fork wishing to participate can stop by and choose an envelope from the tree. The envelope contains a Christmas wish from one of many children in need from the area. Participants can purchase the gift and return it, wrapped, to the bank. Presents will be delivered sometime near Christmas.
The program focuses on children who have been relocated to new homes for various reasons. More often than not children that have been displaced from their homes, go with very few possessions, beyond the clothes on their backs. In conjunction with Rio Grande County Social Services, Community Banks wish to give back to area children.
Last year was a successful year for the giving tree. Many residents and bank patrons purchased gifts for area children. The event is a wonderful cause that can brighten a very difficult time for a child. Also known as Claus for a Cause, the tree is a simple anonymous way to give during the holiday season.
For more information, contact the South Fork branch at 873-5562