Frequently Asked Questions
How is the Holiday Sharing Tree funded?
The Holiday Sharing Tree project is funded primarily by individual and corporate/organizational donations. Special fundraising/grant opportunities arise occasionally, but primary source of funding is through private local donations.
What do the donations go towards?
The majority of donations are used for Giving Cards not picked up or for Giving Cards picked up and for some reason not returned. Donations insure everyone registered receives a gift. A very small portion of the donations are used for supplies needed to complete the project.
Who does the project serve?
The Holiday Sharing Tree recipients include individuals and families with limited financial resources, developmental and physical disabilities, the elderly, and other disadvantaged persons in Blue Earth and Nicollet counties of Minnesota.
How can I become a recipient and receive a gift?
Blue Earth County Human Services and Nicollet County Social Services serve as clearing houses for the project. They identify and register recipients based upon need. They have the ability to determine the need and send out "pre-approved" letters to recipients in October who then can sign up on line using a one-time sign up link.
What happens to the cards not picked up?
The project relies on donations to fill the needs of giving cards not picked up to insure all recipients receive a gift.
What happens to Giving Cards picked up but not returned?
We rely on last minute donations to fill those needs. If a giving card is picked up and is not able to be fulfilled, we ask that the card be returned to any Holiday Sharing Tree pick-up location or contact the Holiday Sharing Tree hotline at
507-386-4972.
What do I do if I forgot to drop off my gift by the deadline or if I still have a Giving Card?
It is important that gifts be returned to any of the Holiday Sharing Tree sites by Saturday, December 14th by 5:00 p.m. to insure gifts will be distributed to the recipients. If you still have a gift card or unfilled gift card after the deadline day, please contact the Holiday Sharing Tree hot line at 507-386-4972.
No gifts cards can be accepted after the distribution date.