OLEAN - With the onset of November, many in the community are making Thanksgiving plans while looking even further ahead to Christmas.

Two entities that have fast-forwarded to Christmas with Gift Tree plans are Interfaith Caregivers and the Olean Times Herald, sponsors of the annual event.

The program, which has been in existence in the community since 1986 and has been co-sponsored by the Times Herald since 1995, provides gifts during the holiday season to needy families. Organizations, businesses, schools, churches and families adopt needy families on the Gift Tree list published in the Times Herald and try to provide as many gifts on a family’s wish list as possible.

Megan Taylor, executive director of Interfaith Caregivers, said the program will help 125 needy families during this year’s Christmas season. Mrs. Taylor took over the reigns of the agency and Gift Tree program from former director Julie Wolf, who retired in January.

“We’ve really revamped things this year with Gift Tree to try and keep it organized,” Mrs. Taylor said. She said the deadline is Thursday for agencies to send in their lists of families who hope to be included on the Gift Tree list.

“We expect to receive requests for children, adults and senior citizens who need help,” Mrs. Taylor said. “We think the list will fill quickly.”

She said that despite the poor economy, she has faith that the community will come through with help, as it has done in the past.

“People in this community have really stepped up and helped with other fundraisers we’ve held this year,” Mrs. Taylor said. She said an example of this occurred in June with the Dr. Jeff Miller Memorial Bike Ride that benefits the agency. The fundraiser not only had a good turnout but also received a number of donations.

Times Herald employee Julie Keim coordinates Gift Tree publicity at the newspaper and said that judging from past activities with the program, she believes the community will come through in full force.

“The last few years we’ve had a dire economy but people have been very generous anyway,” Mrs. Keim said. “Last year we only had a few families (who were not adopted) and had to be provided for.”

Mrs. Keim said some residents who adopt a needy family often participate to provide a very important lesson to their children.

“Some families want their children to know that there are other families who aren’t as well off as they are,” Mrs. Keim said.

She said monetary donations are also welcomed by the program, which has a Gift Tree fund set up at the Community Bank in Delaware Park.

“The monetary donations really help. Even $5 donations help because a little bit goes a long way,” she said. “We use the monetary donations to shop for families that aren’t adopted.”

Mrs. Keim said if there are enough funds available, the program can also provide groceries for some of the needier families.

She said volunteers help do the last-minute shopping for the program to make sure every family on the list has gifts.

“We have some volunteers who are really bargain shoppers and find the best deals,” Mrs. Keim said. “We have a few who really love to shop.”

Mrs. Taylor said the Gift Tree list of families and their needs for Christmas will be published in the Times Herald Nov. 18, 23, 30 and Dec. 2. Gifts will be dropped off from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. Dec. 7 and 8 at the Robert Livingston Community Center in Allegany. Agencies will pick up the gifts from 9 a.m. to noon on Dec. 10, and from there deliver them to the families.

Mrs. Taylor said volunteers are still needed for all aspects of the program and can contact her at (716) 372-6283, or by e-mail at megantaylor@interfaithcaregiversinc.org.

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