By Kate Hill

Staff Writer

This holiday season, the Greater Cazenovia Area Chamber of Commerce (GCACC) and CazCares food pantry and clothing closet are partnering to support local families in need through the Giving Tree initiative.

“Giving trees” positioned at 13 participating retailers throughout the Cazenovia business district will feature ornaments labeled with gift requests from children of all ages.

From Nov. 1 through Dec. 6, customers are encouraged to select an ornament, purchase the listed item, and drop it off at Community Bank or AmeriCU Credit Union. All gifts must be dropped off by Dec. 6.

All donated items will be delivered to CazCares for distribution to local families.

“CazCares is appreciative of the Cazenovia business community’s willingness to support our toy and gift drive this year,” said CazCares Client Services Director GiGi Redmond. “Barbara Houghton from Community Bank has been a great organizer for this event. Every gift donated will bring a smile to someone on Christmas day.”

According to Houghton, this is the third year the GCACC and local businesses have worked together on the Giving Tree initiative.

“This is my favorite event I volunteer for because CazCares touches so many people in our community,” Houghton said. “This year especially they need our help and it truly makes me proud to be a part of this event and to know we will be helping the families that need it the most. It makes me very proud to be part of this wonderful community.”

Gift tags are available at Community Bank, AmeriCU Credit Union, the GCACC, 20|EAST, the Brae Loch Inn, Cazenovia Abroad, Cazenovia Jewelry, the Cazenovia Public Library, J.D. Hunter Home, Lillie Bean, the Lincklaen House, Miori Martial Arts, and The Brewster Inn.

“I am so excited about the Giving Tree this year,” said McKenzie Houseman, owner of 20|EAST. “We participated last year, and it was so wonderful to see how much joy came from giving. This year, more than ever, we need to focus on the things that matter. We are proud to partner up with CazCares and other businesses to make a child’s holiday more special. I wish we could do this all year.”

Ladies Nights Out

The GCACC is also presenting three Ladies Nights Out the week before Thanksgiving on Nov. 18, 19 and 20 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Participating stores and restaurants will stay open until 8 p.m. each night and will adhere to all NYS mandated COVID-19 regulations.

Each store will offer its own raffle item, specials and other goodies. The winners will be contacted by each store.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, this year’s event will not conclude with the traditional gathering at the Brae Loch Inn.

For more information on the GCACC, email [email protected] or visit cazenovia.com.