The Giving Tree

Last week, we had a successful drop giving contributions to Cast Member Pantry, an organization that helps support laid off Disney employees from both Walt Disney World as well as Disneyland.

This drop’s contributions will be going to help children in eastern Kentucky have presents under their tree, who might not otherwise without the aid of this program called the Giving Tree. The Giving Tree gives people in this community an opportunity to sponsor a child and help fulfill their Christmas list just in time for the holidays! I love the idea of keeping the magic of Christmas alive, and that’s just what Missie Lowe and her volunteer staff strive to do each and every year!

We had the amazing chance to talk to Missie who has been a core part of this event since it’s start. She gave us insight as to what exactly this program is all about and the families it helps!

Q: What is the Giving Tree?

A: The "Giving Tree" was established in the year 2000 to assist local families with providing a good Christmas for their children. Since we have started over 4,000 children have had the opportunity to experience the magic of Christmas. We have been blessed to work with an amazing community that supports us. Local churches, businesses, families, local and state law enforcement, the list of supporters is endless. Each year God provides whatever we need through these wonderful volunteers.

Q: What is your favorite story from the years you've organized this event?

A: When asked what my favorite memory is, I can't list just one! A set of grandparents got custody of their grandchild due to the biological parent's drug addiction issues and inability to care for their child. They enrolled the child in one of my elementary schools and stopped by my office to see what help was available. Upon talking to the grandparents I learned that they were on a fixed income of less than $1,000 a month. They barely had money to cover necessities with nothing left over for Christmas. After partnering with a local church we were able to fill the wish list and more. As they pushed the new bicycle to the car and I carried a bag of clothes and toys there was not a dry eye to be seen. The love these gentle folks had for their grandchild was beyond measure and the opportunity to help make Christmas magical for them was a gift I will never forget.

Q: How many families have you serviced from the time this event began?

A: Too many to count! Anyone who comes to us in need of any type of assistance, whether for the holidays or not we don’t turn away.

Q: Why is this so special to your community?

A: It’s about the child that gets their very first pair of new shoes.

The single mom working two jobs to make ends meet.

The dad thats trying to survive his first Christmas without his wife who passed away.

A recovering addict that gets to spend their first Christmas with their kids in a very long time. That’s why we do what we do.

Anything else you want people to know:

One of my favorite parts of this is how the gifts on people’s wishlists never cease to be fulfilled in one way or another… and sometimes through miracles! I’ll be sitting at my desk and saying "I have a kid that only wants an electric train for Christmas...any idea where I can find one?" Then moments later have someone walk by and ask if I know anyone that could use an electric train set… they have an extra one in their car!

The list goes on and on, but thank the Lord so much for His blessings!!!

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To help Missie and her team out, you can purchase something from all drops on Belva’s Attic spanning the rest of year, or donate directly to @Summer-Phillips-15 on Venmo. Please specify the donation is for Missie/the Giving Tree and it will be immediately forwarded to her with confirmation.