Sentinel photo by SIERRA BOLGER
Employees at First Area Federal Credit Union, including Charlene McClellan (from left), Nancy Leister, Linda Sunderland, Carla Fink and Danielle Harshbarger stand around the Community Care Tree, which is filled with gloves, hats and scarves.

LEWISTOWN — Bonnie Fisher hopes to spread some warmth and kindness at the holidays by donating gloves, hats and scarves to those in need.

The manager of First Area Federal Credit Union in Lewistown and her employees decided to share the spirit of Christmas with a little love this season by creating a Community Care Tree.

Until Christmas Eve — Tuesday, Dec. 24 — First Area FCU will host the giving tree in the credit union’s lobby, located at 23 S. Dorcas St., Lewistown.

“We always try to do something,” Fisher said. “We came up with the idea of giving out gloves, hats and scarves, and have a tree that is full of those things. We have gloves, hats and scarves for children and adults.”

The hope is that anyone in need will stop by and grab a hat, gloves or scarf. A variety of sizes are available. No questions will be asked, Fisher said.

The project seemed like a natural for the time of year, with temperatures falling below freezing.

“We wanted to do something different,” Fisher explained. “We realized during the cold season there are a lot of people with the way the economy is who don’t have gloves, hats and scarves to keep them warm.”

They hope everyone will appreciate the love and compassion this time of year brought to the community.

Not in need but want to help? First Area FCU is accepting donations, so just swing by and add your donation to the tree.

“When you think about the warmth that Christmas gives you, you want to do something to send that along to someone else,” Fisher said. “The tree is something that shows that we care. We are in the community and care about the people in it.”

It’s a beautiful reminder of the spirit of giving and kindness during the holiday season. Fisher hopes hanging some mittens, hats and scarves on the tree will make someone’s day a little bit brighter.

First Area FCU is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays; 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesdays; and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Fridays. On Saturdays, the drive-in window only is open from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.