Greenwich residents have enjoyed the Junior League of Greenwich’s hallmark holiday event, The Enchanted Forest (TEF) for over 40 years. This holiday season, the JLG successfully transitioned many elements into virtual and outdoor platforms, but could not host the Children’s Giving Shop – a TEF favorite – because of the continued concern with Covid. The Sustainer Giving Shop Committee kept the spirit of the shop alive by creating The Children’s Giving Shop Tree. “It was one way the JLG could reinforce the value of considering others this holiday season,” explained Karen Richard, President.

A Balsam fir tree was purchased and trimmed with beautifully wrapped presents. The items on the tree represented what children would have selected in the “Shop” for family and friends. Gifts were donated by JLG members, and in the end numbered over 250! On each item was a gift tag ready for a child to address as well as a removable tag indicating the contents and an appropriate age level for giving. In addition, behind each hanging gift was an ornament, allowing the tree to remain decorated once the gifts were removed. Large holiday bags filled with the many presents that did not fit on the tree, were gathered at the base.

The completed tree was purchased by a generous donor, the Frascella Family Foundation, who in turn gifted the tree to Community Centers, Inc. Gaby Rattner, Executive Director, expressed her sincere thanks. “Thank you for your incredible generosity. What you are doing is truly a holiday miracle and will be so deeply appreciated by all of our clients young and old. The holidays are an especially challenging time; your gift will bring big smiles to so many people.”

On Monday, December 13th at 10am, the JLG will host a reception with members of CCI and the Frascella family around this magnificent tree.

The Junior League of Greenwich thanks the village of women who donated gifts and decor as well as their time and spirit to create this incredible giving tree, and the Frascella Family Foundation for their generous donations to the JLG and CCI.