Fantastic Sams’ Giving Tree is now up. Individuals can donate gifts to economically disadvantaged children of a specific age group and gender by leaving them under the tree. (Photo by Nick Sestanovich)

Fantastic Sams is back in the giving mood. The national hair salon’s Benicia location is hosting its 8th annual Giving Tree, where people can bring in unwrapped and unopened gifts for children in need for the presents to be donated through the Benicia Community Action Council (CAC).

Fantastic Sams Manager Michele Kenny said the tradition began in 2010.

“I thought it would be a really fun thing to collect gifts to take to needy children here in Benicia,” she said.

Salon owner Karen Love suggested the CAC as the agency to deliver the toys to, and the partnership has continued every year. Some years have been more successful than others, but Kenny said last year did not have as high a turnout as hoped, largely due to other agencies doing similar things, but that has not diminished the Fantastic Sams staff’s spirit who hope they can get a lot more donations this year.

The process is simple. Individuals simply walk into Fantastic Sams, take a star off the tree indicating a gender and age group and come back with an age-appropriate gift. On Dec. 10, all the gifts will be delivered to the CAC who will distribute the toys to the appropriate children. Donations can be anything from toys to books to clothing to electronics. People can also donate gift cards if they want.

The ages range from infants to teenagers, the latter being a particular group Kenny hopes participants will bring presents for since people tend to donate more for babies and young children.

“Teenagers always seem to be thought of last,” she said.

Kenny hopes the community will come together to donate items for the less fortunate.

“Our community is our family,” she said. “We enjoy seeing each and every person come in the door whether or not they can donate a gift.”

Gifts will be accepted through Dec. 10 and can be dropped off at Fantastic Sams, located at 75 Solano Square. Its hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, call the salon at 745-1028.

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