The Giving Tree is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization dedicated to teaching children the merits of helping worthwhile causes and the positive results of their hard work. The charity teaches the priceless lessons of giving through the educational program of service-learning.
Our Story
The Giving Tree started with a simple wish. “I wanted my children to know that not every child lives in the same reality and not every adult has a support system at their fingertips,” says Bridget Leary, Founder of The Giving Tree. A family product drive was organized to benefit a local children’s organization. Bridget’s garage overflowed with the generosity of her neighborhood. According to Leary, “I could not let this spirit of giving in my children disappear. I wanted to cultivate that initiative and decided to teach not only my children but many children the merits of helping worthwhile causes.”
In 2009, when the idea of teaching children about helping others came to life, it created the thought of how can we make this a more lasting and impactful experience for our youth? How can we create awareness in the minds of our children? It needs to start at a young age, and community service needs to be a way of life. Elementary, middle, and high school students are invited to participate in service projects, discussions, and card-making.
These hands-on lessons will teach our children to always recognize the needs of others as they grow and become compassionate citizens. It is the hope that all of the children of The Giving Tree will never walk by a homeless individual without noticing them, a senior without smiling at them, or a child in need without reaching out to make their world a better place.