Sunapee Giving Tree Continues at Police Department Through December

The Sunapee Giving Tree opened on November 24 and remains in place at the front vestibule of Sunapee Safety Services through Friday December 12, 2025. All recipients are Sunapee residents, and the program is accepting gift cards for both children and senior citizens. The tree and drop box are accessible around the clock, allowing volunteers and residents to participate on their own schedules.

Participation is simple. Donors choose a gift card from the tree, write their name, phone number, and email on the red card, keep the red card with the gift information, and then place the card with contact information into the collection box on top of the table. Completed gifts must be returned to the police department by December 12. The effort is run in collaboration with the Sunapee Welfare Department and is hosted by the police department to centralize collection and distribution.

Beyond the immediate relief provided to families and seniors during the holiday season, the Giving Tree illustrates how municipal agencies and community volunteers fill gaps in the local safety net. Locating the drive at a public safety facility expands access and visibility, but it also raises questions about the distribution of responsibility between municipal welfare services and informal community supports. As town leaders prepare budget proposals for the coming year, programs like this often factor into public conversations about funding for human services, volunteer coordination, and the scope of municipal responsibility.

For voters and civic participants, the drive offers a clear avenue for engagement and a tangible measure of community solidarity. It also provides an observable example of local government and civic groups working in tandem to address resident needs. Residents who plan to donate should follow the posted instructions and deliver gifts by December 12 to ensure timely distribution to children and seniors in Sunapee.