Brief by Central Staff
Charity – November 2003 – Colorado Central Magazine
The mines of Leadville produced millions of dollars of wealth over the years, but that didn’t make Leadville a wealthy city. This was so even in 1931, when Margaret Tobin “Unsinkable Mollie” Brown, whose fortune came from Leadville, saw such destitution among the city’s children that she donated candy, Christmas presents, caps, stockings, and underwear to be distributed at the Community Christmas Tree in front of the post office.
Modern Leadville has no such philanthropist, but the needs continue, and thus the Tree of Sharing Project, to provide for the “needs and wishes of the children of Lake County for the holiday season.”
Last year, 734 children qualified, and this year, it is expected that about 800 will be eligible, ranging in age from newborn to 18. The Tree of Sharing Project receives no government funding.
The directors are asking for money so that “elves” can purchase gifts, or for direct donations of the following items:
Coats, snow boats, hats, gloves, socks, diapers, infant snow suits, other infant items, books for all ages in English and Spanish, sports gear, bicycles and helmets, board games, snowboards and gear, skis and gears, and wrapping paper, tape, and ribbons.
Donations, either of cash or goods, are accepted at Lake County Social Services, Farmers Insurance, and Boomtown Brewpub until Dec. 17.