Hamley Giving Tree sees greater need every year

By Terry Murry on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

PENDLETON – More than 500 children had tags placed on the Giving Tree at Hamley Western Store on Southeast Court Avenue in Pendleton. Tags still remain on the tree and unwrapped gifts must be returned by Thursday, Dec. 11.

There’s one group of kids with tags on the tree that sometimes get neglected.

“Sometimes the teen tags get left on the tree,” Sherwood Heights Elementary School Child Development Specialist Lisa Roberts said. “We don’t want that to happen. We like to encourage people to take those because those kids need a Christmas as well.”

Roberts said hooded sweatshirts, toiletries, fuzzy socks, and blankets are among the gifts the teens enjoy.

There are gifts for those who give. Everyone who brings an unwrapped gift will receive a coupon for 10 percent off their next purchase at Hamley. They are also registered for a drawing of 12 gift certificates at Wildhorse Resort & Casino venues.

The Hamley Giving Tree is sponsored by Hamley Western Store, Wildhorse Resort & Casino, and Elkhorn Media Group in partnership with the Oregon Department of Human Services, Umatilla County Human Services, Umatilla County CARE Program, and Pendleton School District 16R.