Mower County workers again joined forces to make sure children have Christmas presents to open this year.

Mower County Health and Human Services led its second year of the Holiday Giving Tree, a program developed by staff to meet the needs of the neediest in the county.

“They’re kids that maybe just need an extra boost for the holidays,” said Lindsay Brekke, Mower County HHS Social Services Supervisor.

Staff identify families and children in need through the county’s caseloads, including many children in foster care, and then they have a tree at the county where staff can pick a child or family and then buy Christmas gifts for them.

This year, the program helped more than 130 children, up from about 100 last year.

“People just want to give this time of year, and we certainly have families in need,” Brekke said.Along with work by Mower County staff, community partners like First United Methodist Church, Mayo Clinic Health System’s Heart/Pulmonary/Sleep staff, Austin Utilities staff and various private donations have helped with the program.

More than 500 presents were given out to the children this year.

People buying the gifts get some basic information about the the child — age, likes, interests, etc. — but Health and Human Services makes recommendations on certain items and spending amounts, so all the children get an equal number of gifts.

For example, each child will receive a blanket this year.

“I think it brings joy to our office to give in more ways than we do on a daily basis,” Brekke said.

The programs aim to help children and families have a joyous holiday and it aims to help meet some of the families basic needs through giving hygiene products including tooth brushes, tooth paste, combs and brushes. Mower County hopes to continue its efforts throughout the year by having a diaper drive, hygiene drive and book drive. For more information on how to help with those projects please contact Health and Human Services at 507-437-9701.

Mower County foster care program is in need of individuals to become licensed foster parents and respite care providers to meet the growing need of the children in the county.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a foster parent please call Health and Human Services at 507-437-9701 or by visiting www.mowercountyhhs.com.