To the Editor:

We’d like to invite the community to participate in a “Mitten Tree” collection sponsored by the Presbyterian Women’s Group of Hamilton Union Presbyterian Church, located at 2291 Western Ave. in Guilderland.

In partnership with CeCe’s Wool Farm Store (in the 20 Mall) and Twinkling Stars Place Preschool (located at Hamilton Union), we are collecting new purchased and handmade gloves, mittens, scarves, and hats for the New Faith Program for Women at the Capital City Rescue Mission, the Family Life Center at the Schenectady City Mission, the Guilderland Food Pantry, and a Living Resources group home.

Collection boxes are located at CeCe’s in the 20 Mall and outside of the Education Building at Hamilton Union. In addition to hosting a community collection box, CeCe’s is providing a pair of lined wool gloves to the Mitten Tree for every pair of adult-size gloves or mittens sold.

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Twinkling Stars Place Preschool students and their families are also supporting this effort, and the children placed their donations on a special Mitten Tree in our sanctuary this past Monday, Dec. 6.

The last day we can accept items is Sunday, Dec. 12, in order to provide enough lead time for distribution.

Our Presbyterian Women’s Group has been doing this collection every year for at least the past 15 years, and last year was our best yet, with over 240 hats, gloves, mittens, and scarves collected. We’re looking to top that total this year.

Thank you for your support, and Merry Christmas!

Karen Williamson

Hamilton Union

Presbyterian Church

Guilderland