Tree of Hope, a fundraiser and gift drive for the Marjaree Mason Center, can be found at Sierra Vista Cinemas 16 in Clovis and several other locations in the Frenso/Clovis area. Photo by Ben Hensley

The Marjaree Mason Center is hosting Trees of Hope — an annual end-of-year giving event — from now until Sunday, Dec. 18.

By scanning a QR code link that can be found on decorated trees throughout Fresno and Clovis, potential donors can visit a wish list compiled of more than 1,100 gifts selected to be donated to families seeking assistance from the Marjaree Mason Center.

“The Trees of Hope program at Marjaree Mason Center is an opportunity to provide gifts for adults and children experiencing domestic violence,” said Marjaree Mason Center Director of Development and Communications Charity Susnick.

Trees can be found throughout town at Maya Cinemas at Campus Pointe, Sierra Vista Mall, Regal River Park at River Park Shopping Center and Regal Riverside Drive at the El Paseo Shopping Center.

Susnick said that for many families experiencing domestic violence, their time with the Marjaree Mason Center can be not only stressful, but fast-paced, quickly moving from place to place for their own personal safety.

“Especially for a child this time of year who’s impacted by domestic violence, to have that new, special toy that they can latch onto that feels like home to them is very important in the overall healing process of getting them back on their feet,” Susnick added.

 

Gifts given to those in need are directly delivered by Marjaree Mason Center support staff. Case managers were assigned to gather information about the adults and children receiving services to give them an idea of what types of gifts they want, which will be distributed the week of Christmas.

“We also collect gift wrapping and tape and bows,” Susnick added. “We actually take the gift wrapping and encourage the families to get the gifts wrapped and under the tree or wherever they put them in the house to be able to have that special moment as a family.”

Financial support is also welcome up to and beyond the cutoff date for the fundraiser, with the Marjaree Mason Center accepting donations year round. The center also donates gasoline and grocery gift cards as well as other monetary donations when necessary and appropriate.

The center states that the cost of a shelter stay comes up to $109 nightly, up to a possible $3,200 to house a family in a safe housing unit.

“There’s a definite need at the holidays, but that’s a reminder that for Marjaree Mason Center, we do this 24/7, 365,” Susnick said. “There’s always that need for financial supporters who really partner with us in our mission to prevent and end domestic violence in Fresno County.”

Those interested in donating can do so by scanning the QR code located at the Trees of Hope sites, or by accessing the website directly at mmcenter.org.