Proctor District helping veterans this holiday season

The Proctor Business District in Tacoma’s North End is, once again, hosting “Start Your Giving Early, ” a giving tree program helping veterans in need through Nov. 30. Charitable souls can pick up ornaments from participating Proctor District businesses and make less fortunate veterans’ wishes come true. To give back to those who served their country, take an ornament, fill the wish and return it to the participating locations before the end of the month. Peaks and Pints is one of six Proctor locations participating in the giving tree program.

American Lake VA Hospital provided a list of needs for the giving trees, including gift cards, personal care items, clothing items, dental assistance and entertainment items such as crossword puzzles and word-search books.

“It gives us an opportunity to pause and remember all the sacrifices that were made by ordinary citizens who did extraordinary things to defend our country,” said Ron Swarner, co-owner at Peaks and Pints.

In addition to Peaks and Pints, the Start Your Giving Early trees are at Better Properties, Proctor Station, Umpqua Bank, Waffle Stop and Wheelock Library, all located in the Proctor Business District. Stop by these locations, take a paper ornament off the tree identifying items veterans need and bring the item to one of the six locations before Dec. 1.

If you have any questions about these programs, call Umpqua Bank Community Manager Kelly Hale at (253) 926-4086.