Mitten Tree brings more than gloves
With temperatures estimated to drop to single digits this weekend, valley residents are stocking up on winter accessories in hopes of fighting off the bitter chill.
The Women’s Center at Utah State University is hoping that when shoppers hit the store, they will think of those unable to warm their hands and pick up an extra pair of gloves for the annual Mitten Tree.
“It reminds us of how, on an individual basis, we can help others,” said Janet Osborne, Women’s Center director. “The children that receive these are all part of our community. They are all certainly appreciative at this time of year.”
Since 1988, the Mitten Tree project has collected winter accessories for the Head Start program. Children and their parents benefit from the program.
“It’s most often the only new things the kids ever receive,” said Jan Roush, chair of the Mitten Tree and an associate professor in USU’s English department.
The service project usually looks for new winter accessories – mittens, gloves, socks, etc. Roush, however, said she’s seen everything from winter coveralls to new underwear.
The project has grown with time. The first year, 52 items were collected. Each advisory board member in the Women’s Center was asked to bring two items for a Christmas tree. Last year, Roush gathered more than 1,500 items and drop-off trees and boxes are all over the valley.
“It started first as just an advisory board project and because everyone had such a wonderful time doing it, they decided to spread it to the community,” Osborne said. Students have the chance to donate on campus at Carousel Square in the student center, as well as in the Merrill-Cazier Library.
Drop-off points in the community include The Italian Place restaurant and the North Logan and Smithfield libraries.
Elementary schools donate as well.
Osborne has seen families make it a part of their Christmas – children helping other children stay warm for the holidays.
For the Women’s Center, it is a way to give back to the community that assists the center in helping women return to school.
“This just happened to be a project that started as a way to say thank you,” Roush said.
-natandrews@cc.usu.edu