SALT LAKE CITY - With Christmas just around the corner, donation efforts in Salt Lake County are still in need of community support. Local businesses, including RubySnap bakery, have set up gifting trees to encourage donations. RubySnap’s bakery manager, Michelle Brockman, highlighted the importance of community engagement during this busy time of year. RubySnap's Christmas tree continues to be adorned with ornaments, symbolizing the spirit of giving. Brockman noted that this season often makes people reflect on their blessings and consider how they can give back. The donations collected at RubySnap will benefit thousands of children through the Shelter Kids organization. Emily Read, the board president of Shelter Kids, emphasized that these donations are vital not just during the holiday season but throughout the entire year. They help fill their facility with essential items that support children in need. However, Read mentioned that this year, they have observed a decline in grocery and snack item donations, which may be attributed to rising food costs. She encouraged the community to contribute individual snacks and full-size hygiene products, as these are always in demand. Sorting through the donations can be a daunting task, but volunteers find it rewarding. Miranda Lavallee, the after-school program coordinator for Shelter Kids, shared her experience of the growing number of volunteers helping with the sorting process. She noted that the excitement of opening packages brings joy to the work they do. The gifting tree at RubySnap will be collected this week, but Brockman reported an increase in participation over the past few days as more people have come forward to take ornaments and donate. For those interested in supporting Shelter Kids, additional information can be found on their website.