This story has been updated to reflect totals as of Monday, December 16.

A Giving Tree stands in the Edmond Town Hall lobby this year. Promoting the tree that is intended to benefit community members in need, the Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers and the Newtown Prevention Council staff promoted the tree earlier this week. The council is the inaugural Giving Tree sponsor.

“Our decorations will highlight attributes that cultivate character in individuals and translate into a better quality of life for our community,” said Judy Blanchard, Newtown Prevention Council co-chair. Residents can choose a card on the tree and purchase a suggested gift. Newtown’s Social Services Department provided the gift suggestions.

“The intention of this new tradition is to provide exposure to organizations that serve the community and to inform those who come through our space for movies, events, sports, or other activities about the work of these groups,” said Margot Hall, vice chair of the Edmond Town Hall Board of Managers, the legislative body that manages the historic building.

By Monday, December 16, Newtown Prevention Council Grant Coordinator Kim Killoy said roughly 30 cards were still available. The deadline for returning items is Friday, December 20.