The Junior Women's Club wish tree is back

SPARTA — For over 20 years the Holiday Wish Tree in the Sparta Library has been making holidays happier for children in Sussex County. The Junior Woman’s Club of Sparta presents the tree to the community as a vehicle through which gifts can be brought to children in need. This year, the tree will be displayed through Dec. 16. Local residents choose a handmade ornament from the tree. Each ornament is tagged with the age and gender of a child. Residents donate a new, unwrapped gift, place the tag on the gift and return it to the tree. The Junior Woman’s Club of Sparta delivers these gifts to the Division of Youth and Family Services throughout the holiday season. Gifts are distributed by DYFS to families based on need. Our community has been particularly helpful in donating gifts to teenagers spending their holidays in a group home without their families. For some, it is the only gift they will receive. There are over 400 children in our county whose Christmas will be made brighter through the generosity of the community. Help make this holiday season one of giving by visiting the Holiday Wish Tree at the library. For more information about this award-winning program or the Junior Woman’s Club of Sparta, call 973-300-7309 or visit www.jwcsparta.org.