Jessilynn and Matt Norcross, of McLean and Eakin Booksellers are pictured in front of The Giving Tree, an in-store benefit to gift books to children staying at the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan’s Safe Home.

McLean and Eakin Booksellers hosts ‘The Giving Tree’ to support families staying at the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan’s Safe Home. The in-store holiday donation program begins on Ladies’ Night, November 15, through December 15.

Bookstore staff members decorate The Giving Tree with ornaments representing the ages of children at the Safe Home, the domestic abuse shelter serving families in Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet and Otsego counties. Shoppers may select an ornament on the tree which will help guide them in their purchase of an age-appropriate book or gift to donate and place under the tree. McLean and Eakin wraps each donation with brightly colored paper and ribbon.

“We are thankful to McLean and Eakin and generous community members who take part in The Giving Tree benefit,” said Gail Kloss, Women’s Resource Center’s executive director. “The lessons from the children’s book by the same name, The Giving Tree, remind all of us that life is often difficult and complicated and what is most important are acts of love and kindness and being there for other people when they need it most,” Kloss said. “It’s a lovely holiday benefit and much appreciated.”

McLean and Eakin Booksellers is at 307 East Lake Street, Petoskey. To learn how to purchase and donate a book online, call the store at (231) 347-1180.