Tree of Sharing gears up for the holidays

The Tree of Sharing will be in the lobby of Washington Mutual Bank (Towne Center building) from Nov. 21 to Dec. 10.

Coordinating the Tree of Sharing is the Colville Rotary Club.

“Each gift tag hung on the tree represents the Christmas wishes and needs of an individual in the community,” explained Rotary Club member Mike Hansen.

The names are submitted by Rural Resources Community Action, Colville Food & Resource Center, Washington Department of Children and Family Services, Stevens County Counseling, First Step Day Care and Addy Rescue Mission.

All names are kept entirely anonymous, Hansen emphasized.

“Last year, through the generosity of local citizens and businesses, over 670 individuals were given the opportunity to enjoy a memorable Christmas,” Hansen pointed out.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for area citizens and businesses to stop by the Tree of Sharing and select a gift tag(s) or drop off a donation to help out a needy individual who may not otherwise receive a gift,” Hansen added.

Posters will be displayed throughout the Colville retail community in the coming weeks to remind residents to stop and visit the Tree of Sharing. Please make donations payable to Colville Rotary. All donations are tax deductible.

Colville Rotarians will once again be volunteering with the processing of gift tags and the delivery of gifts. Wrapping paper is provided to the social service agencies.

“If anyone would like to donate wrapping paper, that would be greatly appreciated,” Hansen said, adding that wrapping paper can be dropped off at Washington Mutual Bank.

What are people saying about mortgages today:

Rates on 30-year mortgages edged down last week to a seven-month low. Mortgage-giant Freddie Mac reported Thursday that 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages fell to 6.3 percent, down slightly from 6.31 percent two weeks ago. It put rates at the lowest level since they were at 6.24 percent the first week of March.

Bank of Hawaii, Central Pacific Bank, Territorial Savings Bank and Wells Fargo Home Mortgages all cut their 30-year mortgage rates to 5.75 percent this week.

Most people think of a mortgage as a means to an end. After all, you buy a house, not a home loan. But a mortgage is much more than the path to homeownership. It is a financial instrument that must be managed, just like any other financial investment.