‘Tis the season. No not just for purchasing gifts for friends and family, or indulging in Christmas treats and tons of turkey on Thanksgiving.

The past few years, I’ve incorporated a new favorite into my holiday traditions. Knowing quite a few people at FOX8 News, a few years ago I was asked to swing down and help out at Operation Giving Tree. I immediately said yes (despite the cold) and haven’t looked back since. The day before Thanksgiving is usually filled with a ton of errands, but I always carve time out to swing by FOX8, see some friends and drop off toys and gifts that will go to children who are in Cleveland’s Foster Care System. Over 1,800 children are in the foster care system in Northeast Ohio and without this program, some may not have Christmas gifts this year.

image: FOX8

I know…it’s hard to give during the holiday season. I know…we all get busy with last minute errands in preparation for family members and friends coming over. But consider dropping off a gift – on your way into work, when you swing past downtown, on your way home or even on your way to the grocery store for the last minute items. Staff, anchors and volunteers will be collecting items outside of the studio from 6:30 a.m. – 7:00 p..m.

Items to take to FOX8 (unwrapped):

Mp3 players
iPods
Action figures
Dolls (multi-racial)
Strollers
Basketballs
Footballs
Board games
Puzzles
Bath and Body products
Cars
Trucks
$25.00 gift cards so the teens can buy clothes for school.

More info can be found here.

Disclaimer: I wasn’t asked to promote this event by FOX8 News. It just so happens that I know a few of the anchors, am friends with some staff and love this event.