COVID-19 causes Tree of Hope change

The 100-year-old holiday time children’s gift appeal in the Greater Napanee area, Tree of Hope, will look quite different this year.

It’s because of COVID-19.

There will be no collection of toys because of the threat of pandemic infection.

Manager of Community Relations for the Frontenac Lennox and Addington Children and Family Services, John Suart, tells Quinte News the idea is to raise $50,000 to provide gift cards directly to families.

“In the past, people donated toys to the tree of hope. Last year we had almost $50,000 worth of toys donated. But we just can’t keep the people who work on the campaign, or our clients, safe by using that kind of method now.”

The agency says COVID-19 has been a challenge for the kids and families they serve. Their needs are greater than ever. And they deserve the best holiday season we can give them. At the same time, the Pandemic has shut down many normal fundraising programs.

Suart says families know what they really need.

Suart adds that COVID-19 has been a challenge for children and families the agency serves, perhaps the biggest challenge in the past 100 years of its existence.

Family and Children’s Services issued this statement: The Tree of Hope is Southeastern Ontario’s oldest continuing holiday appeal. It has been helping families serviced by our Children’s Aid Society for more than a hundred years. It includes people of all faiths and beliefs, including Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Diwali and more. All are welcome under the Tree of Hope.