The Christmas Tree Project applications are due tonight (12/7)!

Just a reminder that applications for The Christmas Tree Project are due tonight at 9:00 pm (12/7). Note that you will remain anonymous on the blog. You will be identified by family size, city and state only.

Our goal is to help those of you who are simply not doing well financially this Christmas. My desire is to not only provide some Christmas gifts for accepted families, but to help alleviate some of the items in your “needs” category as well. If you feel a tugging (or that burning pit in your stomach :)), please fill out this form.

IMPORTANT: If you live outside the Portland Metro area, I will try to match you with one family or a small group, such as a Bible study, people who work together, etc. They will need to bring the items to your home or meet you somewhere.

I know many of you are just itching for the list of needed items to be posted so you can start shopping. It is my goal to get it up by Friday morning, but don’t quote me on it. Until then, here’s a general list of items we will be accepting that you can start collecting now:

• Non-perishable food
• Household items (cleaning supplies, toilet paper, etc)
• Toiletries
• Very gently used children’s clothing, especially winter clothing and shoes
• Gift wrap, Scotch tape, ribbon, bows, scissors
• “Cookies in a Jar” mixes
• School supplies
• Small stocking stuffers
• Christmas tree decorations

We are also still looking for locations to serve as drop-offs in the following areas (we have the westside and SW Washington covered):

• Clackamas/Oregon City/Milwaukie
• Gresham
• Wilsonville/Tualatin/West Linn
• Inner SE/NE Portland

Ideally, this would be a business, office, church or school that has normal business hours from December 12-15. Please email me at frugallivingonline@gmail.com if your establishment is able to be a drop for this project.