The Giving Tree is a wonderful way to help children in the area receive a gift at Christmas, who otherwise may not receive one.

The Giving Tree is sponsored by Love INC of Greater East Otter Tail County and the Perham Ministerial Association. This community project was previously chaired by Lisa and Steve Sheets for 29 years and is currently chaired by Love INC for the 2nd Year. The Giving Tree is a wonderful way to help children in the area receive a gift at Christmas, who otherwise may not receive one.

Referrals are made for children by the United Way, Otter Tail County Human Services, churches, and schools. Request forms are returned in person to United Community Bank, located at 301 W. Main St, Perham. Each request is coded to a card, keeping children’s and family’s names anonymous and confidential. Applications may be picked up from United Community bank and at Churches starting November 3, Monday-Friday 9a-5p, if families need assistance filling out an application, we will have a volunteer posted at the bank on Fridays during the application period from 12-2 PM. All request applications must be returned in person by 4 PM Friday, November 21st at UNITED COMMUNITY BANK, in a closed drop box marked “Giving Tree” or with the bank receptionist.

Cards are placed on the Giving Tree describing the child’s wishes for a gift. You can pick a card off the tree, which will be displayed at area churches in Perham until Friday, December 5th. Please note that cards may be available before this date. Buy the gift, wrap it and bring it back to United Community Bank by Monday, December 15th with the card attached, being sure to “check” your gift(s) in. Families will be notified of pickup times to collect the gifts. These special gifts are anonymous, so the giver and recipient of the gift never meet.

In 2024- 195 children from 61 families in the Perham/Dent School District received Christmas gifts. We were also able to bless each family with a large box of food from excess donated funds and generous business contributions.

Applications for the Giving Tree are now open. Printable version is available on our website, or paper versions can be found at United Community Bank Perham, Crosspoint Baby Bin, Richville United Methodist Clothing Mission, The Bridge Community Pantry.

Applications must be returned IN PERSON to United Community Bank reception desk by Friday, November 21st.