2012 Santa Tree

About the Santa Tree

Athens County Children Services and the Market on State are pleased to sponsor the 25th Annual Santa Tree. Last year, the project provided gifts to over 1200 children in Athens County. This year more than ever the agency is looking to the Athens community to support this project.

"For hundreds of children, the gifts they receive from this project could be the only gifts they receive." said Sherri Oliver of Athens County Children Services. Adding, "For some parents, paying the bills and putting food on the table is all they can do. That's where the Santa Tree project comes in."

The Santa Tree, whose ornaments will display the first name of a child, their age, and several gift requests, will be on display beginning Monday, November 19 at the Market on State, 1002 East State Street. This project relies solely on the generosity of the public, and everyone is invited to select a name from the tree to give a child the opportunity to have a cheerful holiday season.

Through the course of the Christmas Project, the dedication and contributions from many community individuals, groups, and organizations have given over 10,000 deserving children the opportunity to experience a wonderful Christmas morning.

For more information on how to be a part of the Santa Tree Christmas Project, please call Athens County Children Services at (740) 592-3061 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Application Information

Santa Tree applications will be available at Athens County Children Services Building 14 from November 1 through November 21. Applications MUST be filled out in person adn at ACCS. Applications cannot be sent in the mail.

To apply for help through the Santa Tree Project, you must mee the following requirements:

  • You must be a resident of Athens County
  • You must be the legal guardian of the children for whom you are applying
  • You must provide Social Security numbers for yourself and your children
  • You must provide proof of income/benefits and a photo ID

Donor Information

The Santa Tree will be on display at the Market on State beginning Monday, November 19. The tree will be decorated with Christmas card tags with the first name, age, gender, and gift requests of a child who will receive the gift. Donors choose one or more tags from the tree and purchase appropriate gifts for the child described on the tags. The gifts should be gift wrapped and returned by December 14 to one of the following locations:

The Market on State
1002 East State St.
Athens, OH 45701

Athens County Children Services
10 Stonybrook Drive
Athens, OH 45701

Additional trees will be located at O'Bleness Memorial Hospital, Athens Sonic, Freed Chiropractic, and other locations to be determined. Check this space for updates!