HEUVELTON – In its 29th season, the Heuvelton Giving Tree is providing gifts for 100 children in 45 families.

The gifts are set to be delivered on Tuesday.

“Lots of individuals [helped out],” said organizer Yvonne H. Lewandowski.

Churches, social organizations and the fire department were also involved in the effort, said Ms. Lewandowski.

“We had help from the cheerleaders wrapping,” said Mrs. Lewandowski, adding that groups like the Girl Scouts, Amvets Post 1997 and Auxiliary and the Heuvelton Leos also helped purchase gifts and organize the charity.

Ogdensburg-based charity PJs for Xmas also donated pajamas. Needy children are represented by ornaments on the Giving Tree. Donors claim an ornament and buy a gift for the child.

“What’s great is when someone has been on the tree in past years and comes in and buys a gift for someone else when they are doing better,” Mrs. Lewandowski said.

The Giving Tree focuses on children in need within the Heuvelton Central School District.

“We receive referrals from members of the community,” Mrs. Lewandowski said.

Pastors and school personnel are often the source of the referrals, she said. Before any gifts are sent out, the parents are contacted. She said Giving Tree donors often make their participation a family affair.

“Parents bring their kids with the intention of teaching them about charity and helping others who are less fortunate,” Mrs. Lewandowski said.

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