"Bringing Holiday Cheer to Watson Children's Shelter"

Giving Trees in Missoula

MISSOULA offers a unique opportunity for community members to give back. Watson Children's Shelter has set up giving trees in several places such as Missoula Surgical Associates, the Missoula Airport, the Missoula Children's Theatre, and Crosspoint and Elevate Churches. These small trees in local churches and businesses have tags with requests from the children at the shelter.

After a tag is taken and the need is met, the person can return the tag and the gift to the business where it was taken. It's a simple yet powerful way for the community to come together and make a difference in the lives of these children.

Community's Role in Providing Traditions

Andrew Vashchenko, the Community Relations and Fundraising Specialist for Watson Children's Shelter, emphasizes the importance of community support. With the community's help, the shelter is able to provide traditions that kids who live at the shelter might not have otherwise.

"By supporting Watson during the holidays, you're enabling us to not only keep a roof over these kids' heads and feed them with nutritious meals and provide for all their basic needs, but also to do things like open presents on Christmas morning and to have a really wonderful holiday season," Vashchenko said. The community's efforts truly make a difference in the lives of these children.

Kids' Reactions on Christmas Day

The reactions of the kids on Christmas Day are truly magical. Vashchenko explained that seeing a kid open a present and seeing the gratitude on their faces is worth all the community's efforts.

"It's absolutely magical, seeing a kid open a present and just seeing the gratitude and just getting exactly what they want for Christmas. For a lot of kids, this is their first time experiencing something like that," Vashchenko said. These moments are what make the holiday season at Watson Children's Shelter so special.

Contacting the Shelter for Donations

If you would like to contact the shelter and donate other items, you can call 406-549-0058. Your support can help make the holiday season even more memorable for the children at Watson Children's Shelter.