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All hands on the Mitten Tree

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Library branches show warm hands mean warm hearts

The season of giving is in full swing as the Octavia Fellin Public Library continues its annual Mitten Tree donation program throughout the month of December.

The program, inspired by a children’s book of the same name, accepts hat and mitten donations at both library locations — the main branch, 115 W. Hill Ave., and the children’s branch, 200 Aztec Ave.

“We love doing it and we don’t mind doing it because we know it’s for a good cause,” Octavia Fellin Technology Trainer Markos Chavez said.

And a good cause it is indeed as donated items are distributed to those in need by Battered Family Services, Inc., an organization that accepts donations year round.

Now in its eighth year, the Mitten Tree program at the library has gained popularity, and the trees were quickly filled with warm mittens and hats this season.

The book that inspired the effort, The Mitten Tree by Candace Christiansen, is the story of an elderly woman who notices children walking to a bus stop without gloves in the cold weather. The woman decides to knit mittens and place them on a tree near the bus stop for the kids to take.

Battered Family Services Director Willard Eastman said the Mitten Trees at the library branches add to the abundance of donations Battered Family Services receives from the community.

“The community should pat themselves on the back because they’re doing good with donations,” he said.

Donations received by Battered Families Services range from coats to furniture, and all donations benefit those in need through the many BFS programs.

If you are interested in donating or finding out more about the services offered by Battered Family Services, Inc., they are located at 207 S. Strong Dr. in Gallup and can be found on Facebook.

By Chase Charley 
Sun Jr. Correspondent