Giving trees ripe for the picking

By Jennifer Eisenbart

Editor

While the holiday season turns into a time of gift-gifting for many, there are many who don’t have the money to partake in the tradition.

As a result, the Union Grove Area Foodbank is stepping up with its Giving Trees program.

Mulberry’s Pancakes and Café and Country Rose Bakery and Café will each sponsor a tree this year. The trees were officially ready to be picked on Tuesday.

Anyone willing to help out can come to pick a tag off the tree, with the tags marked with the age of the recipient and gift ideas.

“I believe this program means as much to the community as it does to me personally,” said Arlene Van Ess, the coordinator of the Union Grove Area Foodbank.

“I can tell by the overwhelming response we get by the general public, businesses, schools, and service organizations that participate,” she pointed out. “Because of this community’s generosity we are able to make a difference during the holiday season for those in need.

“This program is another opportunity for the community at large to get involved when they may not be able to help in other ways,” Van Ess added.

Gifts need to be returned – either wrapped or unwrapped – under the tree by Thursday, Dec. 17 to ensure delivery for Christmas.

Van Ess said the program will help provide Christmas gifts for somewhere between 35 and 40 families in needed, and that Mulberry’s and Country Rose are “generous long-term supporters” of the food bank.

About the two stores:

• Mulberry’s Pancakes and Café: Located at the corner of 10th and Main Street in Union Grove, the family-style restaurant is open Monday through Thursday from 5:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Friday from 5:30 to 9 p.m.; Saturday from 5:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 5:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. The restaurant’s phone number is (262) 878-4841.
• Country Rose Bakery and Café: Located at the corner of Highway 20 and Highway 45, the bakery has a wide variety of options made on site, fresh daily. Hours are Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. (closed Sunday). The bakery’s phone number is (262) 878-5474.