Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – The Mayor’s Youth Advancement Council (MYAC) is now accepting donations for its second annual Giving Tree, as well as its new Traveling Giving Tree.
“What we love about the MYAC is that it allows students to actively participate in their community and help be problem solvers,” MYAC sponsor Lynette Hirsch said. “They are capable of making a difference now, and they are stepping up to the plate and doing that.”
According to Hirsch, the giving tree is a creative take on collecting and distributing donations.
Accepted donations include gloves, scarves, socks, beanies, blankets, and hand warmers, as well as hygiene items such as travel-size lotion, soap, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, floss, hand sanitizer, hairbrushes, wipes, and feminine hygiene products.
“We desperately need conditioner, we have tons and tons of shampoo that has been donated, but not a lot of conditioners to go along with that,” she said. “We’re looking for that as well as soaps and things.”
Items can be dropped off in the donation box throughout the holiday season, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the lobby of the Jonesboro Municipal Building, located at 300 S. Church St.
The last day to donate will be Jan. 2, 2026. All leftover items will then be donated to The Salvation Army and The Promise House.
On Nov. 17, the Christmas tree will be set up inside the front doors of City Hall, and anybody can come in and take what they need off of the tree.
“It is literally… just come to City Hall and take off of it what you need,” Hirsch said, noting that there was no registration required.
For those who need transportation to the trees, Hirsch suggested citizens utilize Jonesboro Economical Transportation services.
In addition, the MYAC Traveling Giving Tree will make its way around the city as organizations such as nonprofits, churches, and more host it for various events throughout the season, where people might benefit from it, such as toy drives, giveaways, and holiday parties.
“The youth can find creative solutions to things that might feel problematic, and their insight from a different perspective is very valued. I think that it is awesome to see them looking to help others. They have their own place of belonging within the city to contribute, and I love seeing that happen because these are the youth. These are the leaders of the future,” Hirsch said. “It was a great idea, and it was a good thing to have the giving tree. What an even better idea to make it available to have a traveling one as well and their willingness to help head that up.”
To host the Traveling Giving Tree and schedule it for an event, contact the MYAC Health Task Force at health.myac@gmail.com or for more information about MYAC and the Giving Trees, email Hirsch at lhirsch@jonesboro.org.