‘Tis the season to be sharing.

The Lawrence County Department of Job and Family Services is having its third annual Mini Tree Festival Raffle.

Each year JFS employees and employees of Mended Reeds donate decorated wreaths and trees that are raffled off and the proceeds are used to buy fruit baskets for area needy senior citizens.

“We raised $1,100 last year and we want to do the same or better this year,” said JFS employee Lindilou Ferguson, who helps organize the event each year. The goal this year, she said, is to purchase at least 69 fruit baskets. Last year each basket also contained a $10 Wal-Mart gift card. Ferguson said she would like to be able to increase the size of the gift card this year.

The seniors who receive the baskets are referred by JFS staff members. This is part of the agency’s annual Secret Santa program that helps needy area residents.

“To me, Secret Santa is one of the better things the employees here do,” Ferguson said. “We are able to help people without having to worry about the policies and procedures, We see a need and we fill it.”

The mini trees range from traditional to whimsical. One tree is decorated on the theme of “A Christmas Story,” the popular holiday movie about the little boy who wants a BB gun for Christmas; one tree is decorated on the theme of the holiday classic “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer.” One tree is mounted on top of a sled; one tree is decorated with Santas and elves.

Tickets can be purchased for $1 each or 6 tickets for $5. The drawing will be noon Dec. 5. For more information call 532-3324.