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Oh Mitten Tree, Oh Mitten Tree! DAFB Library gives to local shelter

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shen-Chia Chu
  • 436th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Decorating a Christmas tree is many times a cherished tradition for families during the holiday season and the Team Dover family has their own special tree.

For the last 18 years, the Dover Air Force Base Library has continued its tradition to celebrate the holidays with a mitten tree.

"We're happy for the donations that we've received on the mitten tree," said Richard Krueger, 436th Force Support Squadron Base Library director.

The base has collected more than 75 articles of clothing to wear for the winter season, such as mittens, scarves and hats.

"This is one way for us to give back to the community and help the less fortunate, especially during this cold weather season," said Mr. Krueger.

The library staff follows the same ritual every year - decorating a tree with paper mitten cut-outs on the first day of December and giving customers the opportunity to exchange the paper mittens with gloves, hats and scarves.

"The mitten tree is a good idea, it's one way to show the less fortunate that they are looked after and are able to stay a little warmer during these winter months," said Libby Hoard, 436th FSS library aide.

Donations from the mitten tree are given to a local shelter, said Mr. Krueger.

"All items will be donated to the Whatcoat Shelter in Dover," he said. "But it's not too late for those who want to give. The last day to donate to the library is Jan. 4, 2010."

Customers donate the mittens and accessories anonymously to those in need, just like the lady in the book "The Mitten Tree," written by Candace Christiansen. The story is about a lady who sews mittens for kids who don't have them and donates them anonymously by leaving them on a tree.

"Parents have brought their children in to explain what the true meaning of Christmas is when they place items on the mitten tree," said Ella Dudley, 436th FSS library aide. "The children learn it's not about receiving - Christmas is about the spirit of giving."