CAZENOVIA — This holiday season, the Greater Cazenovia Area Chamber of Commerce (GCACC) and CazCares food pantry and clothing closet are teaming up once again to support local families in need through the “Giving Tree” initiative.

This year, Giving Trees are positioned at 11 participating businesses throughout the village. Each tree features ornaments labeled with gift requests from children of all ages. Customers are encouraged to select an ornament, purchase the listed item, and donate it to help make a holiday wish come true.

The event started on Nov. 1 and the deadline for gift drop-offs is Dec. 5.

“We are again hoping people will drop off gifts during the Christmas Walk on Dec. 2 at Community Bank when they visit Santa,” said Community Bank Senior District Manager Barbara Houghton, who is GCACC’s Giving Tree chair. “They can also drop off gifts at the [stores] they pick up tags from.”

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

According to CazCares Client Services Director GiGi Redmond, last year’s Giving Tree produced seven carloads of gifts and helped more than 250 kids in over 100 families to have a better holiday.

“I know I say [it] every year, but this is my favorite event I volunteer for,” said Houghton. “I feel like with the world the way it is, our community pulls together and makes a difference for local families. I am very proud to be a part of this. The staff and I at Community Bank just loved seeing the kids with Santa last year and look forward to a wonderful Christmas Walk this year.”

Gift tags are available at 20|EAST, AmeriCU Credit Union, The Brae Loch Inn, Cazenovia Abroad, Cazenovia Jewelry, the Cazenovia Public Library & Museum, Community Bank, Lillie Bean, Miori Martial Arts, The Brewster Inn, and the GCACC Office.

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