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The Giving Tree

The Giving Tree is an annual project the Network puts on at Valley River Center to provide holiday presents for children that might otherwise not receive gifts this holiday season. Gifts include: clothing, toys, electronics, outdoor and sporting equipment, and much more.

Thank you! 2,300 gifts for kids in 2025!

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2025 Giving Tree Campaign

Friday, Nov 7 - Monday, Dec 15, 2025

Project Details

The Giving Tree is still going strong! If you’d like to help make the holidays a little brighter for kids in Lane County, stop by Valley River Center and pick out an ornament this holiday season.

Last year, we proudly distributed more than 2,300 holiday gifts for children in our community!

Now, in our 24th year of Giving Tree, we are happy to continue this incredible tradition in partnership with Valley River Center. The trees in Valley River Center are located outside of the JCPenney mall entrance near the Cafe Aroma coffee shop.

For 2025, the tree will be up starting Friday, November 7th and gifts need to be returned by Monday, December 15th. Network members monitor the red bin daily to ensure all donations are received and stored securely.

We also accept financial donations. Each ornament tag is associated with a single child, requested 1-3 gifts, and each gift typically ranges from $15-$30. If you or your company would be interested in donating, you can either:

  • Click the Donate button to pay via our secure PayPal link.
  • Mail checks to CLF Network at our mailing address.

2026 Key Dates

Open to the Public

Frequently asked questions

Children are selected and referred by our local nonprofit agency partners (for example: Boys & Girls Club, Kids First, , etc.). CLF itself does not take direct submissions. If you’d like your child/children to be considered, please reach out to one of those organizations directly to learn about their referral process. Please note submissions for this specific program close on November 7th.

Due to the sensitive nature of the information, we do not receive family details and cannot identify siblings. Tags are submitted by multiple partner agencies, and all identifying information is anonymous to protect each child’s privacy.

Tip: When choosing ornaments from the same agency (look for matching icons like ❤️ hearts, 🧸 bears, ⭐ stars, etc.), you’re more likely to select children from the same household or program.

Gifts can be returned to Valley River Center, the giant red bin is located near our Giving Tree display in front of Cafe Aroma and JCPenney. Look for the signage or ask Guest Services for assistance. Please ensure your gift has the original ornament securely attached so it can be matched with the right child and agency.

All gifts are due by Monday, December 15th.

Returning them on time allows our volunteers to sort, verify, and deliver them to the agencies before their family distribution days.

No problem! Please contact us right away at givingtree@clfnetwork.org. In your message please convey:

  • Have a photo of your ornament? Please include it in your email.
    • OR
  • The ornaments shape (bear, penguin, candy cane, etc.)
  • Any identifying information you remember: the child’s age, gender, wants,
    specific gifts they requested. The more information you provide the easier it is for us to track down the correct ornament.

We can help locate the tag’s agency and recreate the information so your gift still reaches the right child.

Please do not wrap the gifts. Agencies need to review and confirm contents for safety. You’re welcome to include wrapping paper, bags, or tissue alongside the gift if you’d like to make it extra special.

Absolutely! All monetary donations go toward purchasing gifts for unclaimed ornaments or late
additions from agencies. You can contribute in the following ways:

  • Our website at clfnetwork.org/donate
  • Deliver your gift card to white the mailbox at Valley River Center next to the red bin. *This is kept locked at all times so your donation is secure.
  • Mail a check payable to CLF Network to:
    • CLF Network PO Box 365, Eugene, OR 97440
    • Memo: Giving Tree

We ask that you purchase new items that closely match the requests listed on the ornament. Each tag includes a child’s age and wish list, wants and needs to help guide your shopping. Please avoid gift cards unless the tag specifically requests one.

We ask that you return the ornaments to the tree at Valley River Center as soon as possible or contact us at givingtree@clfnetwork.org. This gives each child the same opportunity for their wish to be fulfilled.

Yes, all Giving Tree gifts and donations are kept safe and secure throughout the collection period. Donation bins are located in monitored areas of Valley River Center, and both mall staff and security guards check them regularly to ensure all items remain protected. In addition to mall security, CLF Network volunteers perform scheduled bin checks multiple times each day to confirm everything is accounted for and properly organized.

For everyone’s safety and to maintain anonymity for the children and families we serve, donations cannot be dropped off directly to any individual or agency partner. Please place your items in one of the official Giving Tree bins during mall hours, and our team will ensure they’re delivered safely to the correct organization.

We also offer monitored drop off dates if you would like to deliver your gift directly to a CLF member we will be located in front of the red bin across from Cafe Aroma on the following dates:

  • Wednesday, November 19th 5-7pm
  • Friday, November 28th 10am-3pm
  • Sunday, December 7th 10am-1pm
  • Saturday, December 13th 2-5pm

Yes. Every single item donated through the Giving Tree goes directly to the child whose tag you selected. Each tag on the tree represents a real child identified by one of our vetted local partner agencies based on genuine need. When you purchase and return your gift, it’s matched with that child’s anonymous tag and delivered exactly as donated — unopened, unaltered, and without any administrative deductions.

Our volunteers and agency partners work together to ensure every gift reaches its intended recipient safely and in time for the holidays.

Donate via PayPal

Funds raised will go directly towards purchasing gifts for children in our community from the tree ornaments.

Mailing Address for Donations

P.O. Box 365
Eugene, OR 97440

Please put “Giving Tree” in the check’s memo.

Partner Agencies

If you are interested in signing up your children for Giving Tree, we take referrals for children’s gifts directly from the following agencies.

If you have been a client at any of these agencies, we recommend calling them and asking for their Giving Tree Coordinator. They may be able to add an additional tag for your children this holiday season!

Candlelighters
DHS
Foster And Adoptive Parent Association
Head Start
Kids FIRST Center
Family Relief Nursery of Cottage Grove
Lane African American/Black Student Success
Looking Glass Community Services
Pearl Buck
The Child Center
Willamette Family Treatment

Location of The Giving Tree

Valley River Center entrance between jCPenney and Fuji Japanese Steakhouse

Photo of the entrance to Valley River Center between JCPenney and Fuji restaurant during the holiday season at night

Gallery of Past Years

Project Overview and History

The Giving Tree is an annual project the Network puts on at Valley River Center to provide holiday presents for children that might otherwise not receive gifts during the holiday season. Gifts include: clothing, toys, electronics, outdoor and sporting equipment, and much more. Each year the number of children need gifts seems to be increasing, in 2023 we saw over 2,500 tags. It truly takes the effort of the entire community to bring holiday cheer to these children who would otherwise not receive gifts and necessities during the holidays. Thank you Lane County for continuing to support this wonderful project!

Contact the Project Chairs.

If you have a question, or for more information regarding the Giving Tree project, please fill out the form below and someone will respond within 24-48 hours.