Grant Beach Giving Tree continues to grow

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - The Christmas season is known for the spirit of giving.

In Springfield's Grant Beach Park neighborhood, one family is making it their mission to give back to their community.

For four years, there has been a tree sitting outside the pink house in Grant Beach.

"The whole idea is not so much about being needing it," Pauletta Dunn said. "It's all about sharing what you got. We all got way too much crap, everybody."

The founder of the Giving Tree, Dunn, says it's there for people to donate toys and clothes, but also for people to take what they want or need.

Dunn says most people will come through and "shop" overnight.

"Next year, we're going to put a spotlight on the trees so people can see out there," Dunn said.

Lynn Prince helps manage the Giving Tree. She says there is a lot of need in this part of Springfield.

"So something like this allows people to provide things that others probably need," Prince said. "And you don't have to go ask somebody."

The Dunn family says the items offered at the Giving Tree grow larger every year.

"It's just for us to know that we're giving back to the community like we want them to know that they're loved," said Keely Dunn.

The only thing they ask is don't make a mess.

"We have no judgment here. We live in a bright pink house," Keely laughed. "We can't judge nobody here."

Tabitha Byrley has over 30 nieces and nephews and donates everything she can to the tree, like bicycles, clothes and new shoes.

"Because why not be kind?" Byrley said. "People need that. People are so mean nowadays, so I just feel like that's a way to give back."

Every year, the Giving Tree has had nothing left over. Dunn says the Giving Tree is a great addition to any community.

"If there was anything, a lot of stuff we would save that to next year, or it would go to a thrift store," Dunn said. "Anybody can do this in your own neighborhood, so it doesn't have to be just here."

The Giving Tree is something Prince says is needed across all of Springfield.

"I think that's something that would be really awesome to see happen next year is more Giving Tree-type things going on," Prince said.

Since there was a little less time between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, the Giving Tree will be extended until the first of January.

"There's all kinds of kids around here who have absolutely nothing," Byrley said. "They don't even have parents. So I think we should give kids as much as we can."

The Dunn's have also talked about doing something similar to the Giving Tree in August when school starts up so parents can find quality clothes for their kids who have outgrown their clothes from the previous school year.