Woodstock businesses support local charities through “Giving Trees”
Chronicle Media — November 30, 2015
Connie Citarelli, owner of Green Box Boutique, 100 Cass St., Woodstock, has partnered with Adult & Child Therapy Services, whose clients decorated ornaments using finger paint and ribbon to sell at the store to raise funds to provide free services to those in need.
In the spirit of the holiday season, retailers on the square in downtown Woodstock have opened their stores in support of local charities by displaying “Giving Trees.”
The collaboration coincided with Giving Tuesday, which was Dec. 1, a global day dedicated to celebrating generosity.
Connie Citarelli, owner of Green Box Boutique, spearheaded this year’s charity drive as a way to honor what she feels is the true meaning of the holiday season.
“I hope that it will become an annual tradition,” she said.
After contacting various local charities to measure their interest in participating, she then partnered them with downtown retailers. The trees, or in some cases “displays,” offer patrons an opportunity to support the charity by simply following the instructions related to the ornament chosen from the tree or display.
Participating retailers and partnering charities include:
- Blues Inspired, 124 N. Benton Street – Helping Paws Animal Welfare Association
- Down 2 Earth, 107 E. Van Buren Street – Pits for Patriots
- Green Box Boutique, 100 Cass Street – Adult & Child Therapy Services
- Jaci’s Cookies, 124 Cass Street – Woodstock School District 200
- Material Things Artisan Market, 103 E. Van Buren Street – Free Guitars for Future Stars
- Pzazz Gifts, 120 N. Benton Street – Jail Brakers
- Read Between the Lynes, 111 E. Van Buren Street – District 200 Education Foundation
- The Thoughtfulness Shop, 104 Cass Street – Sheltered Village
- Trésors, 110 N. Benton Street – Woodstock Food Pantry
- Uptown Salon, 116 N. Benton Street – Helping Paws Animal Welfare Association
Since some charities prefer donations of cash or gift cards as opposed to packages, each store has established parameters with its partnering charity. Deadlines for donations vary between stores. Check with local retailers for further details.
— Woodstock businesses support local charities through “Giving Trees” —
