CLEARLAKE – Once again this year the city of Clearlake it hosting its Christmas wish tree for local foster children.

This is the third year the tree has been hosted in the lobby at Clearlake City Hall, 14050 Olympic Drive.

Vice Mayor Judy Thein said during the tree's first year they were able to grant the wishes of 50 foster children throughout the county. That number tripled last year, with 156 children helped through the community's generosity, Thein said.

The children who the gifts are collected for come from around Lake County and are sponsored through Social Services/Child Protective Services and Lake Family Resource Center, Thein said.

“Each child deserves to feel the joy of the holiday season,” said Thein. “No only are we given the opportunity to touch the hearts of these children, but these children touch our hearts as well. Through these children we are able to feel the blessings of the season, knowing we made a difference in the life of a child.”

The tree it outfitted with ornaments that each have an identification number plus information about the child include gender, age and a gift idea.

The wrapped gift and tag must be returned to the city by Wednesday, Dec. 9, so social workers can begin distributing the gifts the following week.

For those who want to help but are too busy to purchase a gift, monetary donations are accepted and the shopping will be done for them. A special holiday fund has been set up for donations, and checks can be made payable to the city of Clearlake with “Christmas wish tree” noted on the checks.