Giving Tree Brings Warmth to Community

Located on the north west corner of East Lincoln Avenue and Wheelock Avenue stands a tree in Candy Cane Park filled with bags of clothing for anyone in Hartford that is in need, it’s nothing huge but it definitely makes a difference in the community.

It’s called The Giving Tree, and it started after citizen Sarah Dieball went out of her way to give back to her Hartford community. Dieball felt as if thrift store prices were increasing and some items were too expensive in her opinion.

“I did have items I wanted to donate to the thrift stores but thought giving them away for free was a better idea. I tried reaching out to the town council to ask if a ‘giving tree’ would be allowed,” Dieball said. “After several attempts to different people, I still did not get any replies. So I just did it.”

The tree’s trunk is restocked with bags of clothing whenever Dieball sees the tree become more bare and empty. She lives just around the block so she keeps a bag of clothing in her truck just in case it needs to be filled.

So far this year Dieball estimates that 100 bags have been picked from the tree. Keep in mind the tree is only stocked during the colder months. The number of items collected by friends and neighbors and being given to Dieball is continuing to grow.

Donor Kristine Schultz thinks that the Giving Tree is a wonderful thing to have in the Hartford community. Schultz has donated jeans, gloves, hoodies, and even toys to the Giving Tree.

“I choose to donate to the tree because people who are in need do not always have money for even Goodwill,” Schultz said.

According to Schultz, Dieball has the biggest heart and is always putting others first. Dieball’s fiancée, Johnathan Swindoll would tend to agree with this.

“She has a huge heart and cares about any and everyone,” Swindoll said. “She tries to do so much for everyone.” Swindoll also helps keep the tree stocked with clothing.

Although Dieball is the mastermind behind the Giving Tree she gives lots of credit to the neighbors that donate. “Without their generosity, of donating clothes and supplies none of this would be possible. I just hang the items, they are the people who keep this tree alive with warm goodies,” Dieball said.