The McKenzie Electric Giving Tree is back and ready to receive donations! Set up in the lobby of our headquarters, the 10-foot Christmas tree bedecked with ornaments and lights will be set up from the beginning of November through December 10. This year, donations received will be distributed to the surrounding communities by the Watford City Eagles Aerie #3543, in partnership with McKenzie County Social Services. While there is no restriction on goods donated, McKenzie Electric has taken the donation role of providing household items including cleaning and toiletry supplies to foster children and families.

Donation items that commonly aren’t associated with the holiday season, but are essential to the health and wellness of children and their families are:

• Diapers of all sizes

• Baby wipes

• Baby powder

• Shampoo and soaps for all ages

• Cleaning products (Lysol spray, toilet cleaner, window and surface cleaners, disinfectants)

Household goods are another option for those wishing to donate. As colder weather becomes more commonplace with the changing of the seasons, winter gear is a high priority.

Household items to consider donating include:

• Towels

• Blankets

• Bedding (twin, full, and queen sizing)

• Clothing of varying sizes including infant and toddler to pre-teen and teen sizes

• Winter gear (gloves, stocking caps and beanies, thick coats, scarves, snow pants)

Of course, donations of toys are more than welcome and are sure to spread holiday cheer to those who receive the gifts. Lego sets, coloring books, and arts and crafts sets are great picks, but the number one item to donate remains to be books!

The Saturday before Christmas, December 18, the Watford City Eagles Aerie #3543 club will host a holiday party where those signed up for donations through McKenzie County Social Services will receive their gifts and a free meal. Last year, 48 families received donations affecting upwards of 200 individuals according to Claudia Fegert who heads the donation efforts of the Eagles club. For more information about donations, call the Watford City Eagles Aerie #3543 at 701-842-3340 or McKenzie County Social Services at 701-444-3661.

With Christmas right around the corner, this is a great opportunity to show how we, as a cooperative, can make a difference in the communities we serve. Keep in mind that every donation, no matter how big or small it may seem, could mean the world to someone.