Claus for a good cause

MEEKER I Gerald and Twila Morris sacrificed their time and energy for the “Claus” once again last Saturday in Denver, sweltering in the heat as Santa and Mrs. Claus. They were asked to participate by a member of the organization in charge of acquiring the Capitol Christmas Tree this year.
The tree is coming from the White River National Forest, specifically Rio Blanco County, this year. Having Santa and Mrs. Claus make an appearance at the annual National Great Outdoor Day in the Natural History Museum Park in Denver raised awareness about the tree and invited children to make ornaments.
There were 109 booths set up for people to enjoy including a fishing derby sponsored by the Colorado Division of Wildlife and a booth featuring the Forest Service’s Smokey the Bear.
More than 5,000 ornaments will be collected and those not being used for the tree will be distributed along the tree’s cross-country tour.
The selected tree will be harvested on Nov. 2, taken to Meeker and prepared for its trip. The tree will be transported by four drivers in two trucks through several towns in Colorado, then across the country to the Capitol building on Dec. 2.
As an additional representative of Meeker, Gerald Morris hopes to be one of the truck drivers for the tour. He has played Santa for 55 years and this would highlight his service. More information will follow about the tree and how to be involved with this very special occasion. There will also be more information for kids interested in making an ornament for the tree.