BOSV volunteers giving out free cookies and hot chocolate during a previous Parade of Lights. Cookies and hot chocolate will be offered by BOSV again this Saturday evening. COURTESY PHOTO

Since the beginning of the Bank of Star Valley, the Angel Tree program has been a way to serve families who may need a little extra help during the holidays.

Families who live in Star Valley and have children under 18 can apply to the program. It provides kids with some of their wants and needs for Christmas. Applications are available at any Bank of Star Valley location and must be returned by Friday, November 28.

Those who are able to give a little extra this holiday season can “adopt an angel” to shop for or donate to. Community members can visit any branch or go to BOSV.com to select an angel. Gifts given don’t have to be wrapped, but if they are, the bank asks that donors clearly label each item with the number assigned to their angel to help with sorting.

For shoppers who pick up extra toys or items that might be a good fit for local children, the bank also accepts general donations. These gifts will be matched with children whose wants and needs align with the donated items.

Brook Merritt with the Bank of Star Valley shared, “It’s been a great program. There are a lot of kids that need a little extra and it’s a great program for them.”

Those gifting need to have their gifts delivered to a Bank of Star Valley Location by December 17.

Monetary donations are also accepted, and bank staff can shop on behalf of donors. For any questions, the Bank of Star Valley encourages the public to reach out.

The Bank of Star Valley in Afton is also looking forward to their annual hot chocolate and cookies event, which will begin at 4:30 p.m. and continue through the Parade of Lights. They hope to foster holiday spirit to those who come out. “It’s a great way to celebrate the start of the holiday season and we hope people will come out and come get some cookies, because I have a lot of cookies to give out.”