SCOUTING REPORT | Holiday giving, college for felons, Tim Tebow’s foundation, touring the Black Hills

A weekly digest of interesting local, state, national and even international developments

With Thanksgiving in the rearview mirror, many local and national charities are seeking help providing help for the poor. in our area, the McCrossan Boys Ranch, which helps guide troubled boys and young men 11-20 who have experienced conflict, has established “Trees of Hope” at Scheels, Hy-Vee at 37^th Street and Minnesota Avenue, Chick-fil-A and Running’s on East 10^th Street.

The trees include cards with the names of the school’s boys as well as a gift idea. Those who want to help can select a card, buy a gift and return the gift and card to the tree by Dec. 23.

“Many of the boys have never experienced the warmth and joy of Christmas,” the organization said in a release promoting the program. “Many do not have homes to go to for the holidays or any family to send them presents. Our Tree of Hope offers you a chance to help make Christmas a time of happiness for every boy at the ranch.” 

The Running’s location also includes cards with gift ideas for the ranch’s animals. 

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