Mitten tree goes up at the library

Girl Scouts from Troop 464 decorated a Christmas tree Monday afternoon at the Carson City Library with something unusual:

Colorful children's gloves.

The Mitten Tree, as it is called, is ready for people who want to donate gloves, mittens, scarves and hats. Simply put them on the tree and the Girl Scouts will deliver them to people in need.

The last day to donate is Dec. 18.

Past donations have gone to elementary schools, Friends in Service Helping and Advocates to End Domestic Violence. The donations should not be wrapped.

"Last year was just unbelievable," said assistant troop leader Terry Jiron. "We had somebody completely anonymous bring in a huge garbage bag of homemade scarfs, hats, gloves and mittens in matching sets."

Monday afternoon, the Girl Scouts had nine pairs of gloves to hang on the tree, which can be found in the youth section of the library.

"I like doing this because we get to give people gloves and hats who can't afford them," said Mandy Norman, a Carson High School freshman. "More people will be warmer this winter and feel good."

Her sister, Char Norman, an eighth-grader at Eagle Valley Middle School, participated in the project last year and visited several times with other girl scouts to check on the tree.

"It was cool," she said. " I was happy to see a whole bunch of people cared. They weren't ignoring the tree."

Elaine Werlinger, a librarian at Carson City Library who manages the audio and video section, said The Mitten Tree is in its eighth year. "It's very free form. (People) bring in things and hang them on the tree themselves and the Girl Scouts clear it off. "

Last year, the library also hosted a Wildhorse Tree, an Angel Tree and Toys for Tots.

"(The variety) gives people an opportunity to choose how they want to help out," she said.

Contact reporter Maggie O'Neill at mo'neill@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1219.

DONATE

What: Girl Scouts Mitten Tree

Where: Youth section of the Carson City Library, 900 N. Roop St.

Information: Call Terry Jiron at 885-6919.

Needed: Mittens, hats and scarves including larger sizes for boys.