Friday, Nov. 14, 2008

Take an Ornament from the Christmas Pal Tree

By Rita Cook

Contributing Writer

It’s easy to make a difference at Christmas time this year. Just ask Southlake resident Linda Montgomery or anyone at the Women’s Division of the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce. Montgomery, who volunteered last year for the Chamber’s Christmas Spirit Pal Tree project came back this year as the chairperson and is the second vice-president of the Women’s Division.

"Anyone who works on this project is touched by it," she said.

The Christmas Pal Project is a joint effort between the Women’s Division of the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce and Grapevine Relief and Community Exchange (GRACE). Somewhat like an angel tree, the Christmas Spirit Pal Tree involves the making or decorating of the ornaments, which are then attached to gift requests from the various disadvantaged groups in the area including seniors and disabled residents qualified by GRACE. The ornaments are hung on the tree for the unveiling, which takes place this year on Saturday, Nov.15 at 1 p.m. at the Grapevine Community Activities Center.

"The ornaments this year are train engines and cabooses, hand decorated by local Girl Scout Troop 1246 and the Brownies from Troop 1414," Montgomery says. "Each ornament consists of two pieces. The top red piece bears the recipients’ wishes on one side, plus instructions on the other; the back piece is green and we ask that our donors leave that piece with their phone number on it in a box by the tree."

Even better news is that anyone may adopt a GRACE client by claiming an ornament of their choice. Last year there were about 110 recipients from GRACE and many of the givers were from the Women’s Division.

Montgomery also notes that many of the recipients are homebound and isolated.

"[They] may not have friends or family members living nearby. So our project, with its spirit of sharing both time and materials, gifts seeks to brighten their holiday season, ease their lives a bit and provide welcome budget relief. We are the focal point of Christmas for some of these elderly members of our local community and they look forward to our interviews in October as much as they do the gifts. And the benefits are clearly mutual: Sharing Christmas spirit is a joyful experience for both the giver and the recipient; there are angels on both sides."

After the givers have shopped they then return the wrapped gifts to the Community Activities Center or the Chamber of Commerce office before Friday, Dec. 5.

"Each set of gifts should be bagged or bundled together, with the red ornament securely attached," Montgomery said.

Gifts are delivered to the recipients on Dec. 13 along with a $75 gift card from Wal-Mart and a selection of household products including cleaning supplies, postage stamps, kitchen linens and more for senior residents.

Montgomery also points out proudly that this year they are going green, "Many of the items we are including this year are safer, more environmentally friendly cleaning products."

For more information or to get involved in this year’s Christmas Spirit Pal Tree, contact Linda Montgomery at 817-329-4989.