Wishing Trees for South Lake Tahoe youth in need

The holidays will be brighter for South Lake Tahoe youth because of the work at both Live Violence Free and the South Tahoe Association of Realtors (STAR).

They each have a Christmas tree in their offices with the names and ages of local youth and an item or two from their Santa wish list.

STAR has a tree in their James Avenue office for kids from the Lake Tahoe Boys & Girls Club. Over the weekend most names had been removed from their tree by those wanting to help. All of these "elves" are asked to return their wrapped gifts to the office by December 18. To check to see if any names are left, contact them at (530) 541-7007.

Over at the Live Violence Free office, a Wishing Tree was full of ornaments with a wish list attached, each one for one of their clients. The tree was put up on November 26 and about half of the lists have been picked up so far. This year there are 180 people enrolled in the program which also has ways for those who want to donate to help a family.

For over 15 years there has been a Wishing Tree at the nonprofit agency that promotes a violence free community through education and advocacy to address domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse and basic needs.

Donors can come into their office Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to pick up the ornaments The last day to pick up wish lists is December 14.

Through their Christmas program Live Violence Free is also looking for $10 gift cards to local restaurants, $20 gas gift cards and diapers to help their clients in need. They are also accepting wrapping supplies like wrapping paper, gift bags, tape and tissue paper.

Their South Lake Tahoe office is located at 2941 Lake Tahoe Blvd., and their phone number is (530) 544-2118.