A towering tree lights up the Junction with glee. Despite snow and sleet, shoppers crowd the street. And coffee shops hum with the production of eggnog lattes (minus the rum).

The spirit of the season is in the air, and minds reel wondering what to give that special someone. What to get dad that he doesn't already have? How to find something cool under 10 bucks for your co-worker? Sure, we buy gifts for family and friends, but what about those who really need a good pair of mittens or that warm, wooly sweater?

Try something meaningful this year-reach out to your neighbor and spread holiday cheer. Capers is sponsoring the 17th Annual Giving Tree to benefit the women and children of the Salvation Army Hickman House that provides transitional housing for victims of domestic violence. And you can help! Here's how:

'How to' give to the Giving Tree

1. Go to Capers, grab a hot cocoa to warm your hands, then grab a star off the Giving Tree to warm your neighbor's heart (each star lists a wish from a Hickman House resident)

2. Pick whichever star or wish fits into your budget, or pick a handful of stars-you can fill as many wishes as you wish

3. Purchase the gift or gifts listed on the star(s)

4. Wrap the gift(s) and place the star on the outside to identify its contents

5. Bring the wrapped gift(s) back to Capers to place under the Giving Tree any time before December 20th (Hickman House volunteers come by 2-3 times per week for the month of December to gather gifts left under the tree and distribute them to those in need)

6. Then give yourself a little hug and feel good knowing that you have helped someone have a happier holiday

"The West Seattle community is very supportive of Hickman House and the Giving Tree," says Capers owner Lisa Myers. "In fact, many families have created a tradition of visiting the tree to gather stars and help neighbors' wishes come true."

This holiday tradition began in 1990 in an effort to create a positive way to involve the community and give back while supporting abused women and their families during the holidays. There are giving trees all over the city which benefit these confidential Seattle-area shelters, some of which Myers had seen (in Rainier Square) for example. She thought she could adapt the concept to her store and make a positive impact. So she joined forces with the Hickman House and the response was phenomenal.

"We had packages overflowing in the window of the store and made multiple deliveries to the residents," says Myers. "Now, the tradition continues and many people look forward to the tree going up and the wishes being displayed so they can do their bit of holiday giving."

Wishes range from the simplest necessities such as socks and underwear to things like Discman music players and phones. As the giver, you choose what feels right to you. But every wish means something to someone. In fact, many of these women leave their abusive situations in the middle of the night bringing with them only the shirts on their back, if that. So if wishes seem unexciting or plain, remember there is a reason it was asked for and by helping grant that wish, it not only helps people put their lives back on track but also reminds us that there are many in greater need than are we.

"The giving tree is a wonderful way to help your neighbor during the holidays," smiles Myers. "It's easy, it's a great way to start a tradition, and it goes directly to the people in need."

For more information on how you can help this holiday season, please call Capers and ask for Becky at 932-0371 or email: info@capershome.com

And if you or someone you know is in an abusive situation and needs help, go to: www.salvationarmynw.org, or call the Salvation Army Seattle Social Services (Emergency Family Assistance) at 447-9944.

(Information Box)

What:

Giving Tree to benefit Hickman House

Where:

Capers

4521 California Avenue SW

206.932.0371

When:

Yearly to Dec 20

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Please send e-mail to:

Westseattle101@yahoo.com

Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer?

Give the gift of West Seattle 101 - Lori Hinton's collection of 101 Things to Do in West Seattle-this holiday season and enjoy years of fun in the neighborhood. For more info, visit: www.westseattle101.com