This is an all volunteer program designed to ensure that each member of each participating client household has gifts under their tree on Christmas morning plus the makings for a wonderful Christmas dinner.

In October, clients meet with Sharing Tree volunteers to complete their individualized wish list. The wish list indicates a clothing item and hobby or game item for each person. A tag is created by the volunteer team describing a wish. The tags are then distributed to our sponsoring churches, local businesses, and many organizations. The generous people of our community fulfill the wishes. All gifts are gathered at St. John Lutheran Church in Romeo for distribution.

Additionally, each client household is given gift certificates to local stores to purchase food for Christmas dinner. The gift certificates are provided by Ray Township Goodfellows, Romeo Goodfellows, Washington Goodfellows, Shepherd's Gate Lutheran Church, and Samaritan House.

The 2008 Christmas Sharing Tree Program resulted in 2,195 gifts being given to 1,119 family members, as well as nursing home and care center patients.

Our thanks and appreciation go out to the 295 volunteers who put in 1446 hours to support this effort!

Sincere thanks to the Goodfellows, Romeo Lions, and hundreds of others who donated money and gifts to make this program possible.

Thank you to Judy Pribish, Deanne DePyper, Ed Risch and Mary Jane Johnson for chairing this event.