Janet Witten Conn, the new director of the New Martinsville Public Library, and three-year-old patron Brock Wade of Limestone hope to see many ornaments on the Giving Tree, signifying donations of $5 or more. (Photo by Amy Witschey)

The 15th annual Giving Tree is in place at the New Martinsville Public Library and ready to display the names of donors to the yearly project.

The brainchild of former employee Mary Alice Pittman, The Giving Tree is a way for the library to collect donations that are then used to purchase new books to be given to needy children for Christmas.

The library works with the Esther Crumbley fund, administered by the New Martinsville Ministerial Association, that provides food, toys, gently used Christmas trees, and decorations to the area’s needy.

Pam Billeter of Catholic Community Services works with the library for the secret santa part of the charity that includes the book distribution.

Donations in $5 increments are honored with ornaments in the giver’s name on The Giving Tree located in the lobby of the library. Also, a donation to The Giving Tree in honor of a loved one makes a great gift for a person that does not need another tie or bottle of perfume, but would love to give the gift of reading to a child.

Donations are accepted throughout December. They will be used to provide as many new Scholastic books as possible to approximately 275 children during the distribution at Klug Hall on Dec. 23 from 9 a.m. to noon.

The gift in the interest of literacy, creativity, and imagination is an investment in the community and a gift that will last a lifetime.