`Giving Tree' Projects Make It Easy To Share Holiday Joy With Needy

Looking for a way to help those less fortunate this holiday season? How about visiting one of the several holiday "giving trees" set up around Snohomish County.

Here's how they work: Each tree is decorated with tags bearing the names of a needy person or family. Just pull the tag and return it with a gift for that person.

It's easy and fun - and it helps others.

And to make it even easier, here are some holiday trees:

The Alderwood Rotary Club's fifth annual Sharing, Caring Christmas tree project runs through Dec. 24. at the Alderwood Mall, 3000 184th St. S.W., Lynnwood. Unwrapped gifts may be left at the tree and will be distributed before Christmas. Information: Joan, 670-7124.

Bothell - The Greater Bothell Association's annual giving tree will be at 10100 Main St. Gifts can be returned to one of the participating businesses in the area through Dec. 24. 485-4353.

Edmonds - The city is hosting its own giving tree in the city executive offices, 505 Bell Street. Each tag represents a person in a shelter or a senior center in Snohomish County. Through Dec. 23.

Nordstrom at the Alderwood Mall has a giving tree to benefit Luther Child Center. The tree is on the second floor near customer service. Choose a tag and return a wrapped gift with the card taped on top of the package by Dec. 15. 771-5755.

Everett - Everett Mall Christmas Can Tree is set up near Payless for mall shoppers to bring a can of food. Food is donated to the Volunteers of America food bank. Through Dec. 24. 1402 S.E. Everett Mall Way.

Everett - Everett Mall Toy Chest seeks new, unwrapped toys to be donated to Christmas House. Through Dec. 24.

Everett - Everett Mall Tree of Giving involves two trees covered with white tags with names and ages of convalescent- or retirement-home residents. You are invited to take a name from the trees, buy or make a nonperishable gift, wrap it and put it under the three decorated tall trees in the Center Court. Evergreen Area Boy Scouts will deliver the presents. Through Dec. 24. 355-1771.

Washington Mutual Savings Bank Mitten Tree is for such donated knitted items as hats, gloves and mufflers, either handmade or purchased. Also new or good-condition used toys and clothes. Deliver to 2628 Colby Ave., Everett. Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Program begins Monday and operates through Dec. 25. 339-8200. Compiled by news assistant Sandra Huber of The Seattle Times Snohomish County bureau.