Sharing the spirit of Christmas

Today is the final day of November, but the community has already begun sharing the spirit of the season.

The Bank of Greybull sponsors an Angel Tree every December for the residents of the Wyoming Retirement Center. If you want to share the spirit of the season, go into the bank and look for the Angel Tree binder. It includes information about whether the recipient is male or female and a list of items on his or her Christmas list. Select a name, buy a gift(s) and return it to the Bank of Greybull, wrapped or unwrapped, by Dec. 13. As of Monday, nine of the residents’ wish lists had not been claimed.

Another popular giving program is Toys for Tots. A bin has been placed at Big Horn Federal for anyone wishing to drop off unwrapped new toys for children.

The Greybull Elks Lodge has a giving program that focuses on veterans. According to a spokesperson, people have already selected a veteran which he or she will focus on, but anyone else who would like to participate can donate gifts such as socks, undergarments and sweats (a definite need for both men and women). Other suggestions include books, magazines or any reading material, cookies, candy, blankets, small toiletries, etc. Items can be taken to the Greybull Elks Lodge Wednesdays from 5-8 p.m. or to Rams Head Insurance Monday through Friday through Dec. 13. The gifts will be taken to the Sheridan veterans facility on Dec. 19.

The Greybull Elks are also coordinating the Christmas baskets program this year. An account has been established at Big Horn Federal for people who wish to donate. In conjunction with Lynn’s, the money will be used to purchase meals for families in need. The Elks will begin taking names of families after Dec. 1; the only stipulation is that they must reside within town limits. Baskets will be delivered Dec. 22.

Community Outreach sponsors giving tree

Greybull Community Outreach Thrift Shop is once again sponsoring its annual giving program for children from infancy to age 18.

Those who wish to help spread holiday cheer can stop by the store and pick a star to sponsor from The Star Tree of Giving. Each star includes the sex and age of the child, along with clothing needs and sizes and additional gift suggestions.

As of Friday, 36 stars were reported to hang on the tree.

Sponsors are asked to please gift new items for the children to open on Christmas. Bring your gift items, unwrapped with the star, to the thrift shop by Dec. 15.

Alice Williams, thrift shop manager, said the shop will continue accepting applications for children in need of a “star” until the first week of December. Parents can stop in or call the thrift shop for particulars at 307-765-4409.

“These families need these things, and we’re trying to make sure everyone has something,” Williams said.

The thrift shop’s food pantry is also well-stocked for those in need, thanks to the generosity of the community. Feel free to stop in.