Gift drive supports area's less fortunate kids

BYRAM-Dozens of less-fortunate boys and girls in the Byram community will recieve a gift they may not have otherwise received this holiday season, thanks to Cub Scout Pack 276 of Byram Township. The Cub Scouts have decorated a Christmas tree (donated by Lockwood Farms of Byram) with ornaments they've made for their "Giving Tree." The ornaments each have tags on which are written the gifts most desired by area children. No names - but corresponding numbers - are used on the ornaments to match the present with the child. The requests of 42 children ages two to 17 years old from families in need were provided confidentially by the Byram Township school system, with parental approval. Readers are urged to select an ornament, purchase the requested gift, wrap and mark it "From Santa," affix the numbered tag, and place it by Dec. 20 under the scouts' "Giving Tree" at Classic Bagel & Deli, where it will be collected for delivery to the children. The boys of Cub Scout Pack 276 have sponsored the "Giving Tree" for children in their community for the past 13 years, helping to brighten the season for hundreds of kids not as fortunate as they are. Steven Roberts of Byram, assistant cub master and father of a Cub Scout in Pack 276, organized this year's "Giving Tree" project.