Wish Tree to bring Christmas magic

ANAHUAC— As the fall decor comes down and twinkling lights are strung from rooftops, the Anahuac Area Chamber of Commerce is placing Christmas trees around town in hopes of bringing a bit of magic to children in need.

Those efforts are centered on the chambers' Wish Tree program, and this year the organization is hoping to make Christmas shine like never before.

"It is the Christmas of a lifetime," Executive Director Katelynn Smith said, noting she wants to provide everything the kiddos ask for and then some.

The annual event is for Anahuac Independent School District students whose families may not have the means to provide Christmas gifts.

AISD counselors and teachers reach out to share which students would be ideal fits for the Wish Tree, providing the necessary details to ensure their Christmas is a special one.

Trees are already up at three participating locations, offering plenty of opportunities for the community to come together and create a magical Christmas for kiddos in need.

Wish Trees are at the following locations:

The Beginning Mexican Grill, 508 Ross Sterling Ave., Anahuac

4 Corner Tire, 812 Miller St., Anahuac

Mane Street Hair Studio/The Bronzed Penny, 208 S. Main St., Anahuac

For the Wish Tree, the chamber is also accepting monetary donations through Venmo, Cash App, PayPal, cash, or check. These funds will go towards both winter and summer clothing for the children, as well as any extra gifts that may not have been purchased.

The chamber is also in need of old wrapping paper and supplies, including extra rolls, scraps, bows, ribbons, gift bags, tissue paper, tags, etc.

Donations can be dropped off at the AACC office, or message the chamber on Facebook.com/AnahuacAreaChamber to arrange a pick-up.

If the wish trees are empty, no need to fret; contact the chamber on Facebook to find out more ways to help.

The chamber will also have its Merry Mingle Mixer on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 5 p.m.

The mixer is a perfect opportunity not only to network but also to potentially meet candidates in the upcoming election.

The come-and-go event will have refreshments and plenty of holiday cheer.

The mixer will be hosted by Anahuac Florist, 810 Miller St., Anahuac.

Apart from the Christmas events, the chamber is gearing up for its annual awards banquet, and nominations are open through Friday, Dec. 19 at 2 p.m. A link can be found on the chamber's Facebook page.

More information on the banquet itself will be announced on the chamber's Facebook page as they finalize details.