The Giving Tree Program began in 1996 when each county was asked to create a Child Welfare Board. These boards were created to help local children that were in the Child Protective Services system whether it be for school supplies, school clothing or any other need that Child Protective Services saw fit.
One of those needs was to help make Christmas a reality for the less fortunate children and the Giving Tree program was formed. Culberson County, the new overseer of the Child Welfare Board, will be placing a Giving Tree for the first time in five years.
This year, the local Child Protective Services Supervisor, Azucena Carrasco, has named 25 local children that are in the Child Protective Services system. Each child is given two tags for the tree, the first being a tag that shows which clothing item(s) are needed for the winter and a second tag for a toy.
Fifty anonymous tags will be placed on the tree this year, containing a tag number that is referenced to local children within the Child Protective system. This year’s Giving Tree will be located inside Van Horn Bank.
Please stop by and sponsor a child in need. If you do decide to sponsor a child, please show the teller your tag so that they can write down the tag number along with your name to keep track of all the tags.
All presents bought should be wrapped and dropped off at the County Judge’s office with the tag no later than Dec. 18. The Child Welfare Program is funded through donations and fundraisers. If you have any questions, please call 432-283-2059.
