---

   The holidays are meant to be filled with excitement, connection, gratitude and hope. Sometimes though, our personal difficulties can leave the holidays overcast in worry. That’s where friends, neighbors, and even complete strangers step in to help with a sprinkle of behind-the-scenes Christmas magic. Each year, our

local Hackensack Chamber of Commerce Giving Tree brings our community together to help make Christmas

a little brighter for local children — and in 2026, we are proud to continue that tradition.

FOR FAMILIES WHO COULD USE A 

LITTLE HELP

   Here’s what you need to know:

   1. Families must have a Hackensack or Backus address

   2. Children newborn through high school seniors

   3. There are no income requirements or applications.

   4. Families remain anonymous and names are not on tags.

   5. Do not sign up for another town’s giving program

   Participation requests are due Friday, November 13. To participate, call the Hackensack Chamber at

218-674-6135 or email [email protected] with:

   1. Parent/guardian’s name, address, email, and phone number

   2. Each child’s first name, age, and gender

   3. A wish list for each child, both wants and needs

   4. Clothing sizes and any helpful preferences, such as favorite colors, styles, characters, or interests

   Or, email and ask for the 2026 Giving Tree Google Form or visit the Hackensack Chamber Facebook Page or Website to find the form. This is the easiest way to ensure all information for your child(ren) is correctly recorded and helps coordinators keep all information in one place.

   Gift pickup and delivery will take place the weekend of December 19/20. Specific times will be provided to families as we get closer to that date. Reminders will be given the week before.

FOR OUR 

COMMUNITY OF GIVERS

   Sometimes Christmas magic looks like a bicycle or a favorite toy. Sometimes it looks like a warm winter coat, a new pair of pajamas, art supplies, a book someone has been hoping for, or mittens that actually fit.

   Beginning November 14th, tags will be waiting at businesses throughout Hackensack and Backus. Each tag holds a real wish or need from a local child. Choose a tag. Pick out a gift. And know that something as simple as taking one paper tag from a tree can become a very big moment for a child on Christmas morning.

   Those who would rather make a monetary donation may do so through the Hackensack Chamber of Commerce. Donations can be mailed to the Chamber or other arrangements can be made directly through the Chamber.

FIND A GIVING TREE

   Every year, this program works because this community quietly does what it does so well: people take care of people. One tag. One gift. One neighbor helping another. Together, we can make sure children throughout

Hackensack and Backus have a Christmas filled with wonder, warmth, joy—and a little bit of magic

   In Hackensack at:

Hackensack Do It Best Hardware; Mark’s Market; Swanson’s and Southside Fuel Plus. In Backus at: American Legion and Godfrey’s.

---