Spring 2024

C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G 2 0 2 4 139 shop is on Carmel Valley Road. It’s the site of a local landmark, the sign that reads “Play Pray” with arrows pointing left toward the former Rancho Canada golf course and right toward the Community Church of the Monterey Peninsula that founded the shop in 2004.The shop staff of 15 is made up exclusively of volunteers, there is no paid staff. “This started as a once-a-month rummage sale,” says volunteer Pam Klaumann.“So many donations were coming in, and we thought, ‘too bad we can’t do this more often.’” In 2008, the group converted a room in the church that had been used for storage into what is now the Giving Tree shop. It’s open only three days a week, Thursday through Saturday. “But we’re doing really well financially for the few hours we’re open.We want to be open more but need more volunteers. They don’t necessarily have to be church members.” After meeting operational expenses, Giving Tree donates proceeds to a group of nonprofits vetted by a shop committee. Organizations include Food Bank of Monterey County, Gathering For Women, Loaves, Fishes & Computers and Peace of Mind Dog Rescue, among others. Giving Tree accepts and sells all kinds of donations, including jewelry, clothing and household items. “Furniture has to be small because of our limited space,” Klaumann adds. For more information, visit www.pray-with.us/givingtree/. Pam Klaumann, Volunteer Giving Tree’s