CLEARFIELD – When someone is in need, those in Clearfield Borough and the surrounding areas are up for the challenge.
At Thursday’s work session, Clearfield Borough police officer Nathan Curry told the Clearfield Borough Council of the “overwhelming” response and support for the Giving Tree.
At last month’s meeting, Curry said the police department was teaming up the Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging to provide gifts for senior citizens of the area.
Curry told the council that while Friday is the final day for the tree, items can still be dropped off to the CCAAA or to the police department. Curry said they want the items turned in as soon as possible so they can be wrapped and delivered.
Curry said the giving trees focused on providing fuel assistance, gift cards and items for the elderly.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been more thankful or more honored to be a part of this community,” Curry said. “I’m honored to say that we’ve raised over $5,000 for these people for fuel assistance.”
Curry said when he first started talking about the project, he was “aiming low” with his expectations so he wouldn’t be disappointed.
“I was overwhelmed by the response from the community, and I’m not just talking about the borough, this is for everyone in the area,” Curry said.
“We were able to get thousands of items for these people. These are things we take for granted, like toilet paper and paper towels. There was one lady who just asked for anything purple, because purple is her favorite color. Many of these individuals are alone, and this is all they’re going to get for Christmas.”
Curry said the items were being stored in the conference room of the CCAAA because it was the biggest room, but that room has since been filled to overflowing. Curry said so many people stepped up to help that the trees had to be retagged twice. He said all the tags which were on the trees have been taken.
“It makes you feel good to know that these people will be taken care of. A lot of people don’t know these items are coming, and it’s going to be great to see their faces when we deliver the items,” Curry said. He said there will be an opportunity for photos at 9 a.m. on Monday prior to making the deliveries.
He thanked the community for their support and thanked the media for helping get the word out.
