Friends Giving Tree offers opportunity to brighten season for kids

Friends of the Children – Western Montana is partnering with Valley Bank in Polson and the Lake County Courthouse to help bring joy and warmth to the 32 children enrolled in the organization’s Flathead Nation program this holiday season.

Through the annual Friends Giving Tree initiative, community members are invited to visit Valley Bank (213 1st St. W., Polson) or the Lake County Courthouse (106 4th Ave. E.) to adopt a Giving Tree tag. Each tag represents a child and includes gift wishes that will help them feel cared for, valued, and supported during the holidays.

“Our children deserve to feel seen, valued, and supported – especially during the holidays,” said program director Nicole Callahan. She added that the Friends Giving Tree offers an opportunity for community members to “help create moments of joy and belonging for the children we serve.”

“Valley Bank is honored to support the Friends Giving Tree again this year,” said David Lewing, vice president and branch manager at Valley Bank in Polson. “We’re proud to be a place where generosity gathers.”

He noted that every tag on the tree “represents a child who will feel the impact of our neighbors’ kindness this holiday season.”

Community members are encouraged to visit either location through Dec. 17, select a tag and return unwrapped gifts by the designated deadline.

For more information about Friends of the Children – Western Montana or ways to support the Flathead Nation program, visit the organization’s website, friendswesternmt.org