For families who are struggling the holiday season is less than merry and bright. To give those in need of an extra hand this time of year, Julie Danrich has displayed a Giving Tree in Julie’s Nursery. It is a tradition she has held for the last three years. Gifts are collected by the Joyce L. Sobel Family Resource Center, who then disperses them to the intended islanders.

“I don’t think people really know how much the Family Resource Center does,” Danrich said. “It’s just unbelievable how much they do.” Over the last five or more years the center has expanded their building, added new programs and staffing. This growth allows them to reach out to more families and islanders in need. Services and programs can be found on their website, https://sjifrc.org. “They have a wheel on their website showing their distribution and I was blown away,” said Danrich. Remembering that Key Bank had a Giving Tree in the 80s and 90s, she decided to have one in her nursery. “I just want to do my part,” she added.

Staff at the Resource Center created tags for different items families they work with need. Items include things including $20 gift certificate at Ace Hardware, Browns, $25 gift certificate at Kings, which could be versatile and used in the grocery store as well as Kings Marine, blankets, books, a membership to the climbing wall for teens and more. Little stocking stuffers like chocolate and other treats are also welcome. Each of the tags are for local businesses, creating a win-win for islanders supporting islanders. People can stop by Julie’s for a tag and bring the gift back to the nursery.

“I have longer hours than the center, and a drop-off point here makes it easier on the staff,” Danrich explained.

For items that need wrapping, Danrich made cloth wrapping bags, using bells and ribbon and other decor to close them with. The cloth bags make reuse easy, saving trees while cutting back on waste.

The community has turned out in full support, going through all the original tags the Resource Center dropped off within the first few days. “They were stunned when I had to call and ask for more,” Julie said. Nearing the end of the event, even the second batch of tags is nearly gone.

“People want to do something, they just sometimes need some guidance,” Julie said, adding that she also is always amazed at the community’s constant generosity.

The last day for gifts will be Dec. 15. For those still wishing to give a hand after that date, visit the Family Resource website at https://sjifrc.org to learn how to help.