Mitten Tree warms hands
The Women’s Center at Utah State University has a service project that is warming not only hearts, but heads, hands and feet as well.
The Women’s Center and the Women’s Center Advisory Board are continuing a 16 year tradition this holiday season, the Mitten Tree.
“Christmas trees have been set up at more than 20 locations across Cache Valley where people can donate new mittens, gloves, socks, hats and scarves for children who are in need,” said Sherrie Morrison, the office assistant for the Women’s Center.
All donations are given to the Bear River Head Start Program and the Child and Family Support Center.
The Child and Family support center serves both Cache and Rich counties. It houses children who have been removed from their homes, and serves their families too, said Program Coordinator Esterlee Molyneux. Every child that is in need of a new pair of gloves is given a pair, she said.
“The priority here is the children,” Molyneux said.
“It’s incredible,” Molyneux said. “As items come in, it seems like there is always a family that desperately needs that item. Nothing goes to waste here.”
The Mitten Tree began in 1988 by the Women’s Center Advisory Board. Each board member was asked to donate two pairs of mittens, a hat or scarf to provide needy children with new items as a way to give back to the community. Many people where impressed when they saw the tree and wanted to donate.
“The project began as a way to involve both the campus and community,” said Carol Rosenthal, co-chair of the Women’s Center Advisory Board. “It’s become one of the main projects that the advisory board has taken on.”
One of the 20 Mitten Trees is located on campus.
“Our tree is located in Carousel Square,” Morrison said. “There is a tree with mittens hanging on it, with a basket next to it you can put your donations in.”
Trees can also be found at the Logan City Library, the Smithfield Library and many different churches around the valley.
In 1988, 52 items were donated. Last year, more than 1,300 items were given to the project, at a value of about $5,000. Last year, about 200 volunteer hours were dedicated to the project.
“It’s just amazing that every year the number of donations just continues to grow,” Rosenthal said.
-apassey@cc.usu.edu