Giving Tree invites applicants and volunteers to participate in a program that makes the holidays happier for all. The program provides new toys, clothing, books and hand-knitted winter wear to families in need.

Their service area includes the towns of Canton, Clare, Hermon, Russell and DeKalb; and children attending Canton Central and St. Mary’s, Edwards-DeKalb and Hermon-DeKalb schools. Applications are available at those schools, at the Church and Community Program office at 7 Main Street, Canton; and online at: www.ccpcanton.org.

Application deadline is Dec. 7.

Giving Tree grows more robust every year. In 2017 Giving Tree served 380 children. It is an all-volunteer program that depends on countless gifts of toys, clothing, and money from the community. Gift tags will be available on the campuses of St. Lawrence University and SUNY Canton in early November, and a local businesses, banks and churches soon thereafter. All gifts collected are due back to the Church and Community Program (7 Main Street) by December 7. Gift distribution will be at the Canton Fire Department (76 Riverside Drive) on Friday, December 14 all day and on Saturday, Dec. 15, until noon.

Again this year, each family will receive a Giving Tree food certificate, redeemable at Save-a-Lot in Canton, to help families have a special meal to celebrate the holidays. This year certificates will also be provided to seniors and people without children at the C&CP Pantry.

"We hope to make 2018 a very good year for the Giving Tree, but it takes the combined effort of many, many community members to make that happen," program officials said in a news release.

People interested in helping can email Fran Bailey at fbailey@clarkson.edu.