The Mitten Tree tradition is continuing at Northern Chautauqua Catholic School.

The Northern Chautauqua Catholic School in Dunkirk is full of traditions and shared experiences, passing important values and beliefs from one generation to another.

This year, as the seasons turn and the end of the year approaches, an old tradition dating back many years was brought out of storage and put back on display, the Mitten Tree, a specially-decorated Christmas tree adorned with knitted hats, mittens, and scarves.

Prior to Christmas, all the mittens and hats and scarves will be taken down and distributed to young children in need, so that they can celebrate the winter season a little bit warmer.

In past years, the mitten tree was a 6 foot giant, but this year, the school’s big tree was reserved for its holiday program. Instead, a small tree was placed in the lobby in the hopes that the beloved old tradition would somehow revive, regardless of the size of the tree.

Seemingly overnight, the little tree was covered with hats, mittens, scarves and gloves, making a second tree necessary. Again, within a short time, the second tree was filled, and a third tree was added, once again filling up with more and more items.

The cheerful holiday spirit has sparked a chain reaction of kindness and generosity throughout the school. A collection of puzzle books for local veterans, a box full of pajamas for area foster children, and other projects have helped to spread the season’s message of hope, peace, and love to the community.

Since Thanksgiving, the three little mitten trees have stood proudly adorning the lobby of NCCS with a colorful reminder of this holy season of giving, reflecting the same generous spirit that has always been characteristic of the school, where tradition teaches the children that they are connected to something much larger than themselves, and where big hearts make all the difference.