The Southington-Cheshire YMCA's annual Giving Tree ceremony, now in its 24th year, will take place next Wednesday, Dec. 10, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., at the Southington-Cheshire YMCA, located at 29 High St., in downtown Southington.

Those attending will be able to show their respect, honor and love for their friends and family, organizers said.

Along with that, and maybe even more important, is the fact they will be able to spread that goodwill and those warm feelings about halfway across the country, in both financial and moral support of the staff and members of the Sioux YMCA in South Dakota, and the Lakota Indians it serves. The facility is primarily supported, in almost all respects, by other YMCAs throughout the country.

The Sioux YMCA was established in 1879 by the men of the Lakota Sioux tribe, and is now located on the Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation in South Dakota. The Y works with Lakota children, families, and local schools to improve the quality of life for the people living in the area.

Christina Simms, the senior program director at the Y, is coordinating this year's 24th yearly event.

She said, "The Sioux Y is located in one of the poorest areas in the country. The Cheyenne River Sioux Indian Reservation serves 18 communities housed in a 4,500-square-mile area. They all come to the Sioux Y for their basic needs, such as food, clothing and education. That's why it's important for our YMCA to support them, and why I'm proud to be involved in the efforts."

Susan Skarvinko, chairwoman of the International Committee, has been involved with the Giving Tree program for years. "We will be doing something a little different this year," Skarvinko said. "We've been using star ornaments for the past few years, and this year we'll be hanging a feather with a tag on it inscribed with the name of the person being honored."

Skarvinko went on to explain the change was made because, "Feathers are more representative of the Sioux Indians. They use feathers a lot in their own decorative artwork, so we felt it would be a good way to connect with the tribe."

YMCA Executive Director John Myers always looks forward to the celebration.

"It's always a special time for me," he said. "It kind of slows life down, and gives us the chance to honor those both living and deceased who have enhanced our lives.

"The ceremony also puts a face on the International Committee and the good work they do for us in that area."

Musical entertainment will be provided by the fifth-grade chorus from Hatton Elementary School and refreshments will be served.

Anyone wishing to honor someone by buying a feather with a freewill donation or seeking more information on the program can contact the YMCA membership services desk either by phone at (860) 628-5597 or in person.