For many who volunteer at the Clay County Giving Tree, being able to help out is just one thing they enjoy most about the annual December event.
Larry and Jenelle Herman have been coming to the event since they moved to Clay County in 2017.
Jenelle said what she enjoys most about the event is knowing that little kids are going to be receiving presents this Christmas, and that they’re getting something they’ll be happy to receive.
For Larry, he said getting to meet new people—which happens each year—is an enjoyment of his when volunteering at the wrapping party.
At a table next to the Herman’s, Tawny Hinrichs receives help wrapping presents from Jaelee Veik.
While Hinrichs folds the paper around the gift, Veik puts on a piece of tape before quickly ripping off another piece.
Hinrichs has been coming to the event for the past seven years and enjoys helping wrap.
Prior to all the presents getting sorted and delivered, a wrapping party ensues—this year about 1,000 presents were wrapped and delivered to 475 people.
Since this is her first year, when asked what she enjoyed about the event thus far, Veik said she likes helping wrap the presents with her mom.
Behind them, McKenna Schuck and Shawna Taylor are busy wrapping large boxes, focused on the task at hand.
Schuck has been volunteering at the Giving Tree for three years and enjoys seeing everyone come together and give back to the communities.
Likewise, Taylor, who’s been attending for more than 10 years, said it’s neat to see a lot of teachers and kids come to help out.
Behind the long tables set up, where gifts are sorted and packed into boxes, are Tammy Sorensen and Sue Powell.
Both have been coming to the Giving Tree for about 25 years, and besides working with each other, the two love the cause the event serves.
“It’s a good cause,” Sorensen said. “It’s why we keep coming back.”
“I enjoy being able to serve our communities and helping families, plus, it’s fun,” Powell said, adding, “it’s not about us, it’s about everyone else.”
Tracy Smalley came back for her second year, even after some challenging presents to wrap last year, such as an adult-sized bean bag chair.
“I like being able to give someone some joy,” she said as she finished wrapping the present before her.
The wrapping party began at 4 p.m. and finished around 8 p.m., with crews already having sorted gifts by towns and addresses.
From there, around 8:45 p.m., those delivering presents set off around the county, their vehicles—and in one case, a bus and trailer—loaded to the brim with presents.
