The fourth annual community-wide campaign to encourage the spirit of holiday giving by donating gift cards to those Andover residents most in need began with the lighting of the holiday “Giving Tree” at The Andover Community Hub on December 2, and continues until December 18. In the past three years, The Giving Tree has collected close to $15,000 in gift cards to help neighbors in need, thanks to the generosity of Andover residents.

Members of the community are encouraged to drop off donations in the form of gift cards at The Hub, 157 Main Street, at any time during this period.  Gift cards can be put through the decorated mail slot to the right of the Hub’s front door. Hub volunteers will pass along the gift cards to the staff at AE/MS and the Town of Andover offices to be given to those who may be struggling financially during this season and throughout the winter. 

Gift cards are encouraged because of the flexibility and ease with which recipients can use them, whether for gifts for their own families or to meet basic needs for food, clothing, and household goods. Donors are also encouraged to keep local businesses in mind when purchasing gift cards, providing a boost to such businesses at the same time. 

Residents who might prefer to mail gift card donations rather than leaving them at The Hub may do so by sending them to The Andover Community Hub, PO Box 157, Andover, NH 03216.