Making A Difference In Our Local Community
Buffalo Center, Lakota, Rake, Thompson
We all face challenges. Help ease the financial stress some families face during the holidays by purchasing a gift for a local child. The North Iowa Ministerial Association, North Iowa Schools, local organizations, and numerous individuals are working together to coordinate the Giving Tree program. All purchases and distribution are done anonymously.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
1. GET MATCHED WITH A LOCAL CHILD’S GIFT REQUEST
Complete the form to be matched with a local child’s gift request. Children participating in the Giving Tree program receive three gifts: two clothing and one toy or hobby gift. You will be matched with one of these three gifts. Gifts can be purchased for $25 or less. Purchases and distribution will be done anonymously, so you will not know what child or family you are giving to. Gift request ornaments are also available at area banks and the Buffalo Center Post Office.
2. BUY YOUR GIFT
Purchase the requested gift, wrap it (or don’t, we can wrap it for you), and label your gift with the corresponding gift ID number.
3. RETURN YOUR GIFT TO THE NORTH IOWA GIVING TREE
Deliver the gift to an area bank or the Buffalo Center Post Office by December 12, 2022. Or, drop off your gift at the Giving Tree’s designated stop on the BC Tour of Lights on Sunday, December 4, 2022. Other drop-off locations may also become available. (Contact us if you cannot arrange drop-off.)
(OR, LET US DO THE SHOPPING FOR YOU!)
Send in a monetary donation and let us know how you’d like your gift of money to be used: child grade, type of gift, clothing item, etc. Donations can be left in the night depository box at any local bank.
OTHER NEEDS:
The Giving Tree also has uses for donations of the following items:
– Mittens, hats, scarves
– Personal hygiene items such as shampoo, soap, washcloths, bath towels, etc.
– Blankets and quilts: handmade or store-bought
Monetary donations are also warmly accepted.
Make a child’s Christmas brighter by sharing a gift!
After completing the form, a NI Giving Tree coordinator will email you a child’s gift request and a gift ID code which will be used to label and identify your gift. If you chose to make a monetary donation, please leave it with a note at a local bank.
Merry Christmas from the North Iowa Giving Tree Committee! Thank you for making a difference in our local community.

Betsy Goetz, 641-562-2500
Jo Steffensen, 641-562-2276
Marilee Siemens, 641-562-2282