Giving Until It Helps

The tree outside the is adorned with ornaments.

But these are not your traditional sparkly decorations. Each ornament resembles a snowflake and represents a person in need.

More than 80 people are represented on the ornaments. Their needs are poignantly basic: Diet Coke and a bag of oranges. Birdseed for their feeders. Pajamas. A new winter jacket.

“People aren’t asking for luxuries,’’ said Michelle Drumm, director of the senior center, who developed the giving tree program three years ago.

Through this program, individuals and organizations take an ornament from the tree, purchase and wrap the requested item or items, then return the wrapped present with the ornament.

“It’s amazing the generosity that we have witnessed, especially in light of these economic times,’’ she said.

Drumm decided that the time was right for such a program when the economy took a downward turn. The requests come primarily from people older than 60, but there are also families with special needs and adults with special needs represented.

She learns of those in need in a variety of ways, including the and clients of the senior center who know of friends or neighbors who could use some assistance.

Several groups participate, including employees of the School Department and a Grafton Middle School team of individuals.

But the bulk of the givers are individuals. “It’s a heart-warming activity at the holidays,’’ she said. “I’m so proud to be part of this town.’’

The deadline to participate is Dec. 16. The tree is available during hours when the Municipal Center is open: Visit the tree from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Thursday.