Where Every Tag Tells a StoryGiving Tree Connects Community to Children’s Healing

At Whaley Children’s Center in Flint, meeting the needs of children who have experienced abuse and neglect takes more than professional care; it takes a community. One of the most meaningful ways local businesses, congregations, and community groups can step into that mission is through the Center’s year-round Giving Tree Program.

Unlike seasonal donation drives that focus only on the holidays, the Giving Tree Program is a continuous opportunity for involvement. The concept is simple: Whaley delivers a tree to a participating organization, complete with tags listing specific needs.

Each tag represents something tangible that directly impacts daily life at the Center, from laundry detergent and paper products to fast food gift cards and even water balloons. On the back of every tag is the “why.”

“We want people to understand that every item has a purpose,” said Mindy Williams, president and CEO. “When someone takes a tag, they’re not just buying detergent; they’re helping us complete more than 40 loads of laundry every single day for the children who call Whaley home. That connection between the gift and the impact is powerful.”

Some needs are practical and constant. With dozens of youth living on campus, laundry runs continuously. Other tags reflect the unique realities of caring for children in foster care. Fast food gift cards, for example, help cover meals when youth are traveling to court hearings or family visitations and must eat on the road. And in the summer? Water balloons are more than a toy.

“Almost every summer day includes water balloons,” said Jennifer McKay, the center’s chief advancement officer. “They create moments of joy, laughter, and connection. For many of our kids, carefree play hasn’t always been part of their story. These small items help us create those childhood moments.”

Participating is designed to be easy and flexible. Whaley works directly with each company, business, agency, or congregation to determine how many tags they would like to host. Some organizations choose a small number; others fill an entire tree.

It’s a simple act of kindness that directly supports our youth.

The Giving Tree remains on-site for about a month, allowing employees or members to select tags and return the requested items. At the end of the month, Whaley staff members return to pick up the donated goods.

“It’s truly a partnership,” said Olivia Nagel, the center’s director of development. “We tailor the experience to fit the organization. Whether a company wants 20 tags or 200, every single one makes a difference. It’s a simple act of kindness that directly supports our youth.”

Beyond meeting material needs, the program also strengthens community awareness. The “why” on each tag invites participants to better understand the daily rhythms of life at Whaley: the court appointments, school mornings, therapy sessions, summer play, and quiet evenings that make up a child’s journey toward healing.

For local companies looking for meaningful employee engagement opportunities, the Giving Tree Program offers something unique: transparency, flexibility, and immediate impact. Individuals don’t just donate; they see exactly how their contribution supports a child.

At its heart, the Giving Tree reflects Whaley’s belief that healing happens in community. A bottle of detergent becomes clean clothes for school. A gift card becomes a warm meal on a long day. A bag of water balloons becomes laughter echoing across campus.

“And one tree, placed in a local business for a single month, becomes a powerful reminder that when a community shows up, even in small ways, children feel it,” Williams said.