Coastal Delaware Kiwanis "Giving" Trees

by Rosemary Cummings

Since the Grotto Parade of Trees inception, Coastal Delaware Kiwanis Club participated in the program run each Christmas season from Thanksgiving until New Years at the local Grotto Restaurants. Local businesses or charities sponsor a Tree for local charities which then decorate the Tree and patrons visiting the restaurants can give a donation to vote for their favorite Tree (or Charity). The proceeds go the Charitable organizations, such as the Kiwanis Foundation of Rehoboth Beach for its children's programs. Previously, the Kiwanis Club members used this as an opportunity to give a Christmas check to the Foundation and local residents who know the work of Kiwanis were very generous. In some years, Kiwanis raised the most funds and received a larger portion of the proceeds. In recent years, donations have decreased as members died and the economy suffered, so it almost did not seem worthwhile for Kiwanis to have a tree. This year, Coastal DE President Jim Kunkle came up with an idea for a new project, "Kiwanis can give to children in the community". So instead of one tree, Coastal DE adopted three trees, one each in Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, and Bethany Beach near the towns the Club supports. Look at the trees closely however, the ornaments are hats and mittens. As the signs says, Two Little Mittens, One Little Hat, Keeps Boys and Girls, All Warm and Snug, On a Cold Winter Day - Need One? Take One! A Gift from Coastal Delaware Kiwanis Club. No Charge-Donations Appreciated". In addition to lights and ornaments, Kiwanians, Key Clubbers, and K-Kids hung mittens and a matching hat on the branches and invites those who need mittens or a hat to take a set. Many organization have trees and at Rehoboth Ave beside the Kiwanis Tree is the SDTRHR Tree or Hippotherapy Tree which Kiwanis also supports. The Kiwanis trees are easily seen in the restaurants with the bright red or navy hats and mittens. As families take the wearable ornaments, little Kiwanis elves will replenish the branches. Any remaining will go to local schools or children's groups, because as every Mother knows, kids lose at least two or three pairs each winter. If this service is successful, the Coastal Kiwanis will repeat the project in future years.