The Giving Tree is all about 
kids helping kids, 
creating with their hands 
& giving with their hearts.


Mother Theresa put it perfectly when she said, "I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples".  

In October of 2014 we were sitting together as a family in our living room, discussing how very very blessed we are; our faith, our food, our clothes, our home, our education, each other. The thought dawned on me that our children needed to serve....to get out of their comfort zones a little and truly give of their time, their talents, and especially their love. Not only does this impact those they serve, it changes them into better people as well. At that exact moment it occurred to me that we had pinecones all over our front yard and that they could be turned into ornaments and then sold to raise money for children in need, specifically homeless children and refugees who live in shelters with their mothers. We got to work! We collected 100 pinecones and purchased supplies like glue, glitter, and twine. We made a short little video and posted it to social media and sold the pinecone ornaments to family and friends. 

Then as a family we took the $100 earned that first year of the Giving Tree project and personally chose clothes, books, and toys for children at a homeless shelter in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The boys dressed up like little elves and my husband as Santa Claus and we delivered the wrapped gifts. On our drive home I asked the boys if they wanted to do this again next year...unanimously they all said yes! and one boy suggested that we should double what we made and earn $200 for the children the following year. My heart sang with joy, my kids were helping kids. 

And so, it is now December 2017, the 4th season of the Giving Tree, where we collect pinecones, acorns, horse-chestnuts, and wooden discs and turn them into ornaments so that we can sell them and earn money for children in need. 

The most wonderful thing is that this idea is spreading and inspiring other families, other children to serve. This year we've had 4 other families who live in our area actively participate in making and selling these ornaments, as well as friends and families in New Mexico and Germany. 

Mother Theresa put it perfectly when she said, "I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples".  

Ornaments sold and money earned for children in need:

2014-$100

2015-$200

2016-$550

2017-$700

In 4 seasons of creating ornaments The Giving Tree project has earned over $1,500, which also means 1,500 ornaments were created and made with love by children for children. 

The Giving Tree can become a family tradition for you as well. There is nothing more powerful than love; than giving to those who need it most. Serving changes hearts; it changes lives; it helps us become our best selves.