Three "Giving Trees" are on display in the lobby of the Beverly J. Warren Student Recreation and Wellness Center on Kent State's Kent Campus. They will be there, with tags to take, from Nov. 17 - Dec. 17.
The tags decorating each tree are inscribed with descriptions of items on the holiday wish list for three different, local organizations. This is the fourth year of this Giving Tree project, presented by Elisabeth Michel, assistant director, Fitness and Wellness, Kent State Recreation and Wellness Services.
This year, the trees bear tags from:
One-Of-A-Kind Pet Rescue is an animal rescue organization in Akron that is asking for some of their most frequently used items for dogs and cats, like pet food, toys old blankets and newspapers.
The Ben Curtis Family Foundation and Kent State Recreation and Wellness Services are partnering for the first time. The tags on their tree list some of the most commonly requested toys for children of all ages for the foundation's annual toy drive.
The tree for Longmeadow Care Center in Ravenna is decorated with tags listing the "wish" items of the resident seniors that may not have family members nearby. Other tags list "surprise items" for the center like craft supplies, blankets and snacks. All items collected will be delivered in time for the resident's holiday party. Michel said that this tree is special to her because so much of the focus during the holiday is on children.
For more information on this Giving Tree program and ways to donate, follow this link.
Near the trees there is also a donation station for Kent State's Winter Clothing and Coat Drive, which runs from Nov. 3, 2025 - Jan. 30, 2026. There are multiple stations for donations across campus as well as Winter Warm-Up Stations where families and individuals can pick up donated items.
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