1217ME-YMCA Dottie Reynolds stands in front of the Giving Tree in the YMCA lobby. The tree allows visitors to donate varying amounts to the YMCA to sponsor people who would like to participate in programs but could otherwise not afford it. Steve Reynolds/ Special to the Eagle

MARCO ISLAND — The YMCA is hosting two unique holiday events including Santa Calling to surprise children with what they want for Christmas and the Giving Tree to offer increased access for Island-area residents to YMCA programs

Santa Calling is 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Dec. 21. Santa or one of his elves will call children and discuss what they want for Christmas and their behavior the past year. Parents pick up information forms at the YMCA and supply the appropriate information so that the caller has material to refer to about the child. This is a free event and also a Christmas Island Style sponsored event.

The Giving Tree is located in the Greater Marco YMCA lobby, 101 Sandhill Street. Tags are hung on the tree that reflect various monetary donations from “dollar donation of your choice” to “$500,” said Steve Reynolds of the Y.

Monetary donations only will be collected this year as Kiwanis has collected and supplied the toy donations, he said.

The Giving Tree will remain in the lobby until Dec. 31. Monies collected will go to the Greater Marco Family YMCA Annual Campaign which helps individuals attend the Y as a member or take part in programs that they otherwise could not afford. Donations accepted as cash , check, VISA or MasterCard.

Contact the Marco YMCA for more information 394-3144.

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