Un Trim A Tree: Spirit for the season

By Aileen Streng

Published: December 2, 2008

This year marks the "Un Trim A Tree" holiday program's second decade fulfilling the wishes of low income children and seniors. And instead of the usual requests for video games and iPods, this year children are asking for warm blankets and clothes.

With the downturn in the economy, the need is greater than ever for the community to continue its support with donations, said Diane Sundholm, director of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program that sponsors the holiday fundraiser.

"I've seen a tremendous increase this year. There is a great need here in the Prince William area," she said.

About four years ago, RSVP, which is part of the Voluntary Action Center of the Prince William Area, took over the program started by the Interfaith Caregivers.

Each year, eligible children and seniors are given the opportunity to list two items, each under $20, for Christmas wishes. Then, participating churches and other organizations throughout the community agree hang these wishes from a Christmas tree where donors can choose items to purchase. The churches and groups also serve as collection sites.

"This is to supplement their Christmas, not to be their entire Christmas," Sundholm said. "This is to help them out."

There are about 4,500 children who have qualified for the program this season, as well as a number of seniors. Of the 4,500 children, 1,500 do not yet have donors, Sundholm said.

"The community, as always, has risen to meet the needs," she said. "My phone just keeps ring-ing. But, there is such a need throughout the year, I would love it if people would continue this giving feeling. It's an ongoing struggle."

Un Trim A Tree works with the Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park departments of social services to determine eligibility.

It also receives names from Action in Community Through Service, Securing Emergency Resources through Volun-teer Efforts, Head Start and the Resource Mothers Program.

In past years, there were often requests from children for expensive toys, but not this year. The requests are more practical.

"They are asking for warm winter clothes and blankets," Sundholm said.

Sundholm said that if not enough donors are found for the children, they will not be forgotten. On the distribution days, Dec. 18 and 19, she will set up a Santa Shop where these children can collect gifts as well.

"I don't turn anybody away," she said. "I try to take care of everyone."

Since the wishes are given to churches and other organizations throughout the area, some people don't under-stand that when they donate through their church, they are donating to the Un Trim A Tree program, she said.

Additionally, some people see the News and Messenger's annual Christmas Basket that benefits the Salvation Army as part of the Un Trim A Tree program, which it is not.

"[The community] has to know there is a need and it is my desire that we all work off of the same page," Sundholm said. "We don't want this to be confusing for the community."

All the gifts collected by the churches will be brought to the Hylton Memorial Chapel on Dec. 16 and 17 to be or-ganized into gift bags. Additionally, if anyone would simply like to make a donation of toys, personal care items or non-perishable food items, they can do so during these days at the chapel.

The personal care items that are distributed to the homeless shelters throughout the year as well as baby items for teenage mothers and to the area food pantries.

For more information on how to become a Un Trim A Tree Holiday donor, contact Diane Sundholm at 703-369-5292, Ext. 207 or at .

Staff writer Aileen Streng can be reached at 703-878-8010.