Even in the times of COVID-19 and an election year gone wild, members of our local community have stepped up to give back to the community all year long. During the holiday season, one of the most popular forms of giving is choosing a tag off of a giving tree. This year, we’ve created a list of several options for supporting local and national charity work via Giving Trees. These are definitely not all of the options — there are so many being added every day — but we believe we have assembled a variety that represents the diversity of organizations in Corvallis and the surrounding area. The locations of the trees are listed underneath the organization that they support.
Vina Moses serves low-income residents in Benton County, supplying gift cards for meals and free gifts for children. Their free store at Timberhill Shopping Center is open for low-income residents to come choose presents for children. They serve around 1500 children and families every year. If you would like to support Vina Moses Center, you can either pick up a tag from one of the trees listed below, or visit their virtual giving tree on their website. The last day to donate at any of these locations is December 11.
- NW Financial Group (Deadline Dec. 3)
- Dollar General Philomath
- Heresco Chiropractic (Deadline Dec. 9)
- Philomath Family Medicine
- College of Forestry, OSU
- Curtis M. Clark, MD
- NuScale Power, LLC
- First Tech Federal Credit Union
- Clayton’s Auto Repair and Service
- Rice’s Pharmacy
- Corvallis Community Center (Deadline Dec.10)
- University Honda
- Imagine Coffee
- Papa’s Pizza Parlor
- Winco Foods
- Sky High Brewing
- Gamma Alpha Omega
- High Quality
- Philomath High School
- Healing Motion Physical Therapy
- Osborn Aquatic Center
- Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center
- Best Western Corvallis
- Timberhill Athletic Club
- Gerding Builders
- Toy Factory
- Peace Lutheran Church
- Corvallis BiMart
- Vina Moses Center
The Salvation Army, according to their website, assists about 23 million Americans every year and serves 130 countries worldwide. It is an evangelical arm of the universal Christian Church, and their main ministries include women, prisoners (and their families), music, and multimedia. They have trees in the following locations:
- Heritage Mall in Albany
- Albany Carousel (Call 541-497-2934 and press 1 for a tag: Deadline Dec.11)
- Rock n’ Style Resale and Consignment (Deadline Dec.10)
- Honeycomb Salon (Deadline Dec.12)
As Oregon’s largest provider of mental and behavioral healthcare for children and families, Trillium offers a full continuum of series for children’s mental and behavioral health. There are three ways to give to Trillium, first of course are the giving trees listed below, but you can also donate virtually or adopt a family on the Trillium Website. The last day to donate to these trees is Dec. 11. Trees are located at:
- Winco Foods
- Compton Family Wines
The Arc serves those in the community with developmental and physical disabilities by providing programs and community building events. The giving trees for The Arc will be located in both of The Arc Thrift Store locations, in Philomath and Corvallis. The last day to donate is Dec. 19.
The giving tree located at Windsmith Music directly benefits local children in the community as well as two local school programs. Families applied to be included on the tree, and musicians ages 1-18 were able to request things that they need to be successful in their musical endeavors. Those wishing to participate in the Giving Tree need only select a tag and either donate money towards the child or purchase the items listed on the tag. For more information, you can visit the Windsmith Music Website.
Furniture Share has two giving trees available, one at the Heritage Mall in Albany and one in their store. The trees benefit the low-income customers of Furniture Share, as well as those affected by COVID, disabilities, or the wildfires. You can either pick up a tag at the Heritage Mall Tree or email Michelle@furnitureshare.org with how many tags, as well as the gender and age range that you would like to shop for, and she will help you arrange pick up and drop off.
Home Instead Albany will not be doing a physical Giving Tree, but they are accepting donations that will benefit the Lebanon Veterans Home. If you are interested in giving in this way, please contact Home Instead at 541-791-7092.
Rise Up Fitness is doing a Toys for Tots drive. You can bring a new, unwrapped toy to the center for the drive until Dec. 11. Toy for Tots is run by the United States Marine Corps and benefits children whose parents cannot afford to purchase Christmas gifts.
By Kyra Young
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