SANTA’S HELPERS

By Linda Linonis

sharing tree

A lifelong Liberty resident started the community Christmas project about 30 years ago.

LIBERTY — A Santa workshop materialized Tuesday at the Liberty Township Administration Building, where volunteers for the Sharing Tree project sorted, wrapped and tagged gifts for 76 children from 28 township families.

Their actions mirrored hundreds of other community- minded Santa’s helpers who are working in the Mahoning Valley to make sure children have a merry Christmas.

Gretchen Reed, a lifelong Liberty resident, spearheads the project. She was described as a “silent Santa” by Carol Faustino and Jean Margala, who were among about 10 volunteers who turned out to help.

Reed was absent but there in spirit; she was sidelined by the flu. Her daughter, Wendy Szakacs, had her mother’s list of recipients and was checking it twice.

“I’m substituting this year,” Szakacs said. “I’ve helped before but this is the first time wrapping gifts.”

The township meeting room was filled with activity with a purpose as the volunteers tucked presents into gift bags or wrapped items with brightly colored Christmas paper and finished them off with festive bows and ribbon.

Reed said the project began about 30 years ago in her Sunday school class at Church Hill United Methodist Church, 189 Church Hill-Hubbard Road. “The church remains a driving force,” she said. “Church members buy outfits for children.”

Reed, a retired teacher of 32 years in Liberty local schools, taught at E.J. Blott Elementary.

“There have been different needs over the years,” she said, noting that in her work as a teacher she saw that some children were lacking in the basics such as winter coats, boots and shoes. She enlisted the help of the Sunday school class and the project has expanded over the years.

Reed said the Sharing Tree gift program gives a book, game and toy to each child. “Depending on the need, we also give boots, shoes and clothing,” she said.

“We try to meet the needs and wishes of families,” Reed said. She speaks to all the families. “They are so grateful ... Some of the thank-yous touch your heart.”

Reed said about 15 children were helped in the early stages of the project. “The generosity of the people in the community is outstanding. The support we have is wonderful.”

That includes a monetary donation from Liberty-Girard Rotary Club, which goes to buying gift certificates for groceries. “We’ve had contributions of up to $2,000,” Reed said. Much of those funds go toward buying food. “Come January, I will get calls from people needing food,” she said, noting some of the money goes to those emergencies.

She said her team includes Jodi Stoyak, township trustee; Gloria Lang, school board president; June Smallwood, township parks and special projects; Fran Pettit, a local businesswoman; and Diana Luster, a friend.

Reed said Smallwood suggested the Sharing Tree name about eight years ago. Name tags are placed on the trees and “secret Santas” buy age appropriate books and toys; sizes also are provided if the person also wishes to buy a clothing for the child. This year, trees were at the township building, Liberty branch of Warren-Trumbull County Public Library and Wal-Mart and name tags were in baskets at Temple El Emeth and Jewish Community Center.

Lang said the need has “mushroomed over the years” but Reed has continued to meet it.

“This is one of the largest projects in the township,” Lang said. “Gretchen works tirelessly to set this up. She knew what to do and how best to do it.”

Lang also credited the program with being sensitive. “The recipients are anonymous to the volunteers. It’s done by numbers not names,” she said. She said personnel from the police and fire departments have delivered the gifts in years past; this year, most families will pick up the presents.

Volunteer Jan Ferry said she participates because “I love to help the community and give back.” A member of Church Hill UMC, Ferry said she is motivated by her faith.

Sharon Wathen, also a member of Church Hill UMC, said she has been involved in the program since her children attended Blott. “I know not everyone is as fortunate ... it’s a way of giving back to the community.”

Friends Joann Kay and Barbara Pazillo of Girard said they wanted “to do something for children.”

“It’s important to help those in need,” Pazillo said.