Help CHiPS, And Gowanus, Sparkle This Holiday Season

The Gowanus Alliance is set to unveil a very special Christmas tree near 16th Street and 3rd Avenue on Friday, December 13, honoring the work of neighborhood non-profit CHiPS, which has generously provided needy families in our community with food, clothing, and other means of support since 1971.

“In the spirit of Gowanus manufacturing, the Gowanus Alliance is custom-making a Christmas tree out of reclaimed materials,” the group announced on its website. “Unlike regular trees that require electricity to be seen, this one will be decorated with reflective ornaments, symbolic of the ‘giving back’ that makes organizations like CHiPS possible.”

Each reflector ornament on the tree will represent a donation made to CHiPS — you can make a tax-deductible donation, starting at $20, by visiting the Gowanus Alliance offices, located at 135 13th Street (at 3rd Avenue), 3rd Floor.

You can also donate directly through the CHiPS website, but be sure to let the Gowanus Alliance know about your donation, so they can include your ornament on the tree.

The Gowanus Alliance is also collecting warm clothing for CHiPS, particularly “socks, underwear, hats, scarfs, gloves, sweaters, sweat suits, hoodies, and jackets for both men and women in various sizes” through December 31. If you’d like to contribute to the clothing drive, please note that the group cannot accept old, worn, or used clothing for donation.

For more information, call 718-576-3108, or email GowanusAlliance@gmail.com.

Image via Gowanus Alliance