MATTAWA - Employees at Columbia Basin Health Association (CBHA) clinics in Othello, Mattawa, and Connell are getting into the Christmas spirit with gifts for the less fortunate.

"We do this every year," said Leo Gaeta, director of programs. "We put up a Giving Tree the first week of December."

The CBHA Giving Tree is decorated normally but also with tags bearing the names of children. Employees select a name and purchase and wrap a gift to be placed under the tree. Gifts are delivered in time for Christmas.

"For children, Christmas means presents, and we're pleased to help out with that," Gaeta said.

Gaeta noted that Othello, Mattawa and Connell, like many communities nationwide, sponsor events and work together to help provide holiday cheer. Churches, civic organizations and clubs, school organizations and the like all do their part to raise funds and provide food, clothing and toys.

Some times their efforts are funneled into the local fire departments which deliver the Christmas baskets.

"CBHA is proud to have clinics in each of these communities," Gaeta said. "We want to do our part in helping everyone have a happy holiday season."