DULUTH, Ga.–The Georgia United Foundation’s 30th annual Wish Tree program provided gifts to children in Georgia’s foster care system through donations made by members and community partners. This year, 1,445 wishes were granted to deserving children in 10 counties.
The ongoing challenges of COVID-19 inspired the Foundation to offer a new virtual donation option so the community could participate from the comfort of their home, Georgia United CU said. Donors were able to select the charity location and the requested gifts from online shopping lists.
Donations were shipped directly to the area branch location and the local Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) and other similar charitable organizations delivered the gifts in time for the holidays.
“We understand 2020 has presented some challenges for many in our communities; however, we wanted the children in the foster care program to know we care about their wellbeing,” said Georgia United Credit Union Business Development Officer Liz Riffert. “The online donation shopping allowed members to participate and safely shop from their homes. Participating in this cause that helps strengthen our communities brings us such joy this holiday season.”
Since the program’s inception, nearly 31,000 gifts have been donated to children in need, thanks to the generosity of the community.