CAZENOVIA — Caz Life and the CazCares food pantry and clothing closet are partnering this holiday season to support local families through the community’s annual “Giving Tree” initiative.
Giving Trees are set up at 13 locations throughout the village this year.
Each tree features ornaments labeled with gift requests from local 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.
Unwrapped gifts should be dropped off at Community Bank at 48 Albany St. by Friday, Dec. 6, the day of the Annual Cazenovia Holiday Stroll and Village Tree Lighting.
“Families can drop off any gifts the night of the tree lighting,” said Community Bank Senior District Manager Barbara Houghton, who chairs the Giving Tree initiative. “We will be open with Santa as our special guest after he lights the tree.”
All dropped-off gifts will be delivered to CazCares for distribution to its clients.
A QR code to an Amazon Wish List is available for shoppers who prefer to purchase a gift online and have it shipped directly to CazCares.
“We started a beautiful [event] five years ago that community members look forward to,” said Houghton. “[Parents] bring their kids in to pick out a tag each year, making it a family tradition. I have been part of this since it started. Someone from CazCares approached me the first year because they were running short on gifts, and I just loved everything about it and helped it grow by asking local shops to hand out tags for the month of November. The Chamber, now Caz Life, has helped make this special every year by promoting and supporting this wonderful cause. . . . Christmas is about giving, and this community sure knows how to give. It makes me so proud to pull up with many carloads of gifts, knowing we are making a difference for our local families.”
According to Houghton, the event typically benefits over 100 families.
Giving Tree gift tags are available at 20|EAST, H. Grey Supply Co., the Brae Loch Inn, Cazenovia Abroad, Cazenovia Jewelry, the Cazenovia Public Library & Museum, Community Bank, Miori Martial Arts, The Brewster Inn, Alolo Tennis, Heartstone Bakery, By Kelly, and Cazenovia Ballet.
Caz Life is the events and marketing committee of the Greater Cazenovia Area Chamber of Commerce (GCACC). Its members work to foster local business development, promote tourism, and implement effective marketing strategies to enhance the vibrancy and economic growth of the village.
To learn more about Caz Life, visit cazenovialife.com or email [email protected]. For more information on the GCACC, visit cazenovia.com.
CazCares is located at 101 Nelson St., Cazenovia. Learn more at cazcares.org.
