The main focus of the Holiday Giving Trees program is on giving Christmas trees adorned with charitable donation tags to local organizations.

Assistant Director for Fitness and Wellness Elizabeth Michel is in charge of this program.

“I have always loved giving back and helping the community,” she said.

Michel worked in recreation and wellness service as a professional staff member for the past seven and a half years, overseeing the group fitness and personal training aspect of the field. Her goal is to help students get certifications and gain quality experience for their future.

This is the third year of The Holiday Giving Tree Program. According to Michel, this program consists of three trees, color coordinated for three different organizations: Children’s Advantage, One of a Kind Pet Rescue and the Portage County Nursing Home.

This program is simple yet impactful to participate in. The tags that hang from the trees are taken by participants, and then a gift is donated based on what the tag contains.

In the past two years, the program has received an impressive response.

“[It is] thrilling and it’s exciting to see this office area start filling up and become so crowded you can hardly walk because there are so many gifts,” she said.

Each organization requested different items on their tags. Children’s Advantage asks for gift cards for families and teenagers, One of a Kind Pet Rescue asks for cat and dog supplies and the Portage County Nursing Home asks for specific gifts each of their residents asks for.

This program resonates with Michel. Her dad got sick when she was young, leaving her mother to care for five children as well as an ill husband.

“There was one Christmas we had to rely on giving tree tags from our church tree, and that’s how we got most of our Christmas presents. So, I know from personal experience how important these tags…this program can be, that’s kind of why I am so passionate about it,” Michel said.

This program officially starts on Nov. 20, however, the trees will be up on Nov. 17, and early donations are welcome. Dec. 18 will be the final day to return gifts with the tags.

“[The Holiday Giving Trees gives one the] knowledge that you’re helping somebody or some being that doesn’t necessarily have the resources right now that just needs a hand up, especially during the holidays,” she said.

Sarah Petrovich is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].