30th Annual 'Tree of Hope' Hosted in St. Cloud for the First Time

Since 1990, the Tree of Hope has been delivering toys to children hospitalized over the holidays in Minnesota. The holidays can be especially hard due to added medical expenses, and Tree of Hope aims to provide a little magic for these families.

This year the Tree of Hope campaign will be in the St. Cloud area for the very first time in their 30 year history. The event to collect, sort, and distribute the toys will be held on Saturday, December 7, 2019, from 9 AM to 1 PM at the St. Cloud Regional Airport, in Hangar 2, just west of St. Cloud Aviation.

Ray and Celeste Shefland will be present at that day's event as well. They are the original inspiration for Tree of Hope and hosted the first one at their airport in Nary, Minnesota (outside Bemidji), in 1990.

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If you are looking to get involved and help out with Tree of Hope, you can start right now. Donations are being accepted online and at St. Cloud Aviation.

Things they are looking for:

Cuddly stuffed animals
Books
CD's/Movies
Handheld video games
Handmade items like lap quilts, hats or scarves.
Gift Cards
Jewelry and cosmetics
Basically anything that would bring a smile to a kids face age birth through 18.

Donations via Paypal can be made here.

If you or an organization you know of are looking to be part of something local and making a real difference for kids this holiday season, check out Tree of Hope's website.