The Buckley Firefighters Association "Community Giving Tree" for 2012 is in full swing.
The nature of the program is to provide a truly Merry Christmas to those without the means, and it would not be possible without community support. This year, a 'tag' tree will be located at the fire station at 611 South Division in Buckley for citizens to pick out a tag and purchase a gift appropriate for the child represented by the tag to return to the station, unwrapped.
Eligibility for the program is based on location (zip code), need and proof of identity X 2. According to Association Chairman Bill Boyle, the geography the program covers is the 98321, 98323 and 98396 zip codes. "We serve up to 234th. In short, Buckley, Wilkeson, Carbonado and the area beyond to Fairfax," he said.
The program is seven years strong, said Boyle and in a typical year serves about 175 children from 34 families.
The Buckley Fire Department Association will be wrapping all of the gifts on the Dec. 15, and then the recipients will come in via a scheduled time to pick them up, visit Santa, get a picture taken, make an ornament and decorate cookies to take home.
Applications for participation in the Giving Tree program can be picked up at the station during normal business hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mon-Fri or by calling 360-829-1441.
