Local business participates in Giving Tree Program

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) –  Each November the Arizona Department of Child Safety kicks off its annual Giving Tree Program.

For the past seven years Nova Home Loans has participated in the Giving Tree Program and this year they are sponsoring 20 foster kids for this Christmas season.

Amelia Olvera, Nova Home Loan Officer says, “I’ve been at nova fourteen years, and one thing I’ve learned is that Nova is a bog part of the community, they like to help the children of our community.”

Foster youth submit a short list of gift wishes placed on paper hearts for the community to help fulfil.

“Grab a name, we go shopping for the items on their list, and then we wrap it up and have it ready for them, it’s a big part of who we are here at nova giving to children," says Olvera.

In the state of Arizona there are more than six-thousand names of foster kids who want gifts for Christmas.

One Nova Home Loans representative is actually a former foster kid, and shares why this program is so special.

Jennifer Humphrey, Nova Homes Credit Analyst says, “having that something that is yours under the tree, just makes you feel good. You know before Christmas you think, oh I might not even get anything, I feel invisible, unseen, I’m separated from my family.”

We spoke to the Arizona Department of Child Safety about what this program means to these foster kids.

“To be honest with you, and I have to do this without crying, it’s just an opportunity for these kids to know that people see them, and that they means something to somebody because often times they don’t," explains Mary McGee, Department of Child Safety Program Manager.

Nova Home Loans has a message for the yuma community.

“I would just like to challenge the yuma community to help out the children in need, help out the foster children," says Olvera.

If you’d like to help out or get involved, visit the link HERE.

The Giving Tree Program helps ensure the foster youth across the state of Arizona get to experience a memorable holiday season they will never forget.