Pay It Forward’s ‘Giving Trees’ grant children’s wishes

Santa is not the only one who can grant children’s wishes this year. You can, too!

Pay It Forward Bend, a Facebook group actually for all of the region, has set up a special kind of Christmas trees throughout Central Oregon. They’re called “Giving Trees,” as many have done in similar fashion at this time of year over the years.

Each tree is adorned with tags, each with a listed gift that families in need requested for their children. This year, 254 families have asked for gifts for more than 600 children.

Heather Enger started this tradition four years ago. She was once on the other side of it, though.

As a single mom of three, she lost her job and could not afford Christmas gifts. She posted gift requests on similar trees in Central Oregon, and the community came through.

Enger was back on her feet the next year, and she wanted to give the same opportunity to other families in need.

” A kid waking up Christmas morning with nothing — how do you explain that to a 5-year-old?” Enger said Sunday. “So that’s why I do it.”

The donation distribution is coming up on Dec. 22 and 23. They could use your help, as only half the families have been taken care of.

You can take a tag from one of the 15 trees in the area, shop for a gift and return the gift with the tags at one of the drop-off areas.

Here’s a full list of tree and drop-off locations:

Cuppa Yo, Food4Less, Applebee’s in Bend, Goodyear Tires (south), Teacupfuls, Trampoline Zone, Cascade Indoor Sports, Sprouts Kids Salon, The Space Dance Studio, Eagle Crest, River’s Place, Bouncing off the Wall (drop-off only), Nick’s Automotive in Prineville, Leaping Lizards (drop-off only) and Unity Church.