Area children, senior citizens and even animals will benefit from the generosity of people in the community.

A number of giving trees are sprouting up at locations throughout Umatilla and Morrow counties. While out Christmas shopping, people are encouraged to consider the opportunity to help brighten the holiday season for those who might be less fortunate. A number of businesses and organizations have set up trees and people can stop by and choose tags and shop for requested items.

The Salvation Army Pendleton Corps sets up several Angel Trees — including one at Shari’s Cafe & Pies in Hermiston — in order to receive gifts for needy children ages 0-14 throughout the Hermiston and Pendleton areas. Helen Markle, a volunteer with the organization, said while The Salvation Army provides help to people in need throughout the year, they boost their efforts around Christmas.

“This is the season of giving,” she said. “We want to be sure each child has at least something under the tree.” 

Residents of Sun Terrace, an adult assisted living facility in Hermiston, will receive gifts through a Senior Giving Tree at the Hermiston Safeway store. Jessica Jacobson, Sun Terrace community relations director, said they’ve been spearheading the effort for about five years. She said it’s a way people can give back to the community

“It’s always nice to bring joy to their Christmas as well,” Jacobson said. “Some of the residents here don’t have family that live near.”

Jacobson said it could be something as simple as popcorn or chocolate. Some residents, she said, would like new scarves, shirts or hats. In addition, some of the Sun Terrace residents have pets and have asked for a seater for their dog.

In its third year, an effort to provide for area animals was spearheaded by Pendleton Animal Welfare Shelter. The tree at D&B Supply in Pendleton even includes tags with photos of current cats and dogs at PAWS, said Sara Hebard-Hinkle, a stove department sales associate.

A former PAWS board member, she is thrilled about the effort to help provide for animals. Everything from pet food and dog beds to leashes and blankets are needed. In addition, Hebard-Hinkle encourages people to consider volunteering their time.

“The giving trees all have the same goal,” Markle said. “We want to make their Christmas better.”

The Salvation Army

•Return unwrapped gifts by Dec. 7

•Shari’s Cafe & Pies, 800 S. Highway 395, Hermiston

Remove tags from tree and return gifts there. Serves children 0-14.

Sun Terrace Assisted Living

•Return wrapped gifts to facility by Dec. 21

•Safeway, 990 S. Highway 395, Hermiston

Take gifts to Sun Terrace, 1550 N.W. 11th St., Hermiston.

Boardman children & youths

•Return wrapped gifts by Dec. 17

•Banner Bank, 204 N. Main St., Boardman

Remove tags, shop for gifts and return to the bank.

Irrigon children & youths

•Return wrapped gifts by Dec. 17

•Irrigon Library/City Hall lobby, 500 N.E. Main St.

Remove tags, shop for gifts and return to city hall.

Morrow County foster children

•Return wrapped/unwrapped gifts by Dec. 7

•Les Schwab Tire Center, 124 N. Main St., Heppner

Presents distributed to children living in area foster homes.

Pendleton Animal Welfare Shelter

•Return wrapped/unwrapped gifts by Dec. 24

•D&B Supply, 850 Southgate Place

Pet supplies to benefit PAWS and animals in need.