Mitten Tree campaign for youngsters commences

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GREENVILLE — Darke County Commissioners were on hand Monday to help kick off the annual FISH Mitten Tree campaign at Montage on South Broadway in Greenville.

The FISH Mitten Tree once again needs donated gloves and mittens to decorate its empty branches; these donations will be distributed to the children enrolled in Darke County Head Start programs.

In addition to the Mitten Tree located at Montage, 525 S. Broadway St., Greenville, a Mitten Tree also will stand inside Brethren Retirement Community, 750 Chestnut St., Greenville, and in Fourman’s Variety Store, 4 W. George St., Arcanum.

Many churches and organizations also erect trees that collect gloves and mittens from their members. These donations then are passed on to FISH to be given to the little Head Start participants. The Mitten Tree has been an annual holiday project of the local FISH organization for more than 50 years.

“The Mitten Tree provides the opportunity for people of all ages and incomes to participate in the true spirit of the season,” said Marilyn Delk, the FISH volunteer coordinating the Mitten Tree project. “We sincerely hope that our generous neighbors will once again this year be able to spare the relatively small amount required to purchase a pair of mittens or gloves and bring joy and warmth to local children who may not receive many other gifts this Christmas.”

To best meet the needs of children directly served by Head Start programs, donated gloves and mittens should fit boys and girls between the ages of 3 and 5. However, donated items in larger or smaller sizes will be shared with Head Start families. So that the mittens and gloves can be distributed prior to Christmas, contributions should be made by Dec. 19. For more information regarding the Mitten Tree project, contact Delk at 937-548-2482.

FISH is an ecumenical volunteer organization which responds to emergency food needs. The FISH Choice Food Pantry, 400 Markwith Ave., Greenville, is open Monday from 1 to 2 p.m., Wednesdays from 10 to 11 a.m. and Fridays from 4 to 5 p.m. No appointment is necessary to visit. Clients are eligible for help once very four weeks. For more information, call 937-548-2000. A volunteer will return your call.

Head Start’s Michelle Sanders, FISH Director Kristy Cutarelli and FISH Volunteer Marilyn Delk (shown, left to right) were joined by Darke County Commissioners Mike Rhoades, Mike Stegall and Matt Aultman to kick off this year’s Mitten Tree campaign at Montage in Greenville.
https://www.dailyadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/web1_IMG_2141-mittens.jpgHead Start’s Michelle Sanders, FISH Director Kristy Cutarelli and FISH Volunteer Marilyn Delk (shown, left to right) were joined by Darke County Commissioners Mike Rhoades, Mike Stegall and Matt Aultman to kick off this year’s Mitten Tree campaign at Montage in Greenville. Erik Martin | The Daily Advocate

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