The Giving Tree, a beautifully written story by renown children’s author Shel Silverstein, is the inspiration for a holiday benefit at McLean and Eakin Booksellers to support domestic abuse survivors and their children at the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan’s (WRCNM) Safe Home. Silverstein’s book delivers a message about the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another’s capacity to love in return.

A few years ago, the staff at McLean and Eakin decided to bring The Giving Tree to life and the tradition continues this holiday season. The Giving Tree is decorated with ornaments featuring the ages of boys and girls residing at the Safe Home to help shoppers purchase age-appropriate books and toys from a wide selection of titles and gift items at McLean and Eakin. Each donated item is lovingly wrapped by store staff and placed under The Giving Tree. Donated books and toys will be delivered to the Women’s Resource Center’s Safe Home to share with families seeking refuge from domestic abuse.

McLean and Eakin kicks off The Giving Tree program during Petoskey’s Downtown Holiday Open House on Friday, Dec. 5; it will continue through December 15. Also during Open House, McLean and Eakin will welcome the Petoskey High School English Department as they create customized poetry for a donation. Proceeds will help purchase additional gifts to place under The Giving Tree which will be gifted to domestic abuse survivors and their children making use of Safe Home services.

McLean and Eakin is located at 307 East Lake Street, Petoskey. For more information about the program, visit wrcnm.org and click on the events calendar.