CONCORD, N.C. –  For the 20th consecutive year, the Wendy Gainey Memorial Christmas Tree is shining bright in the rotunda of the Cabarrus County Government Center. The program continues to grow, with Gainey trees at the Concord Active Living Center (331 Corban Ave. SE, Concord) and the Mt. Pleasant, Kannapolis, Concord and Harrisburg branches of the Cabarrus County Library System. The trees have a special purpose—to help meet local wishes and needs this holiday season. Like an angel tree, they’re filled with tags that list toys, books and video games, along with essentials, like socks, blankets and soap. Cabarrus residents are invited to join County employees in selecting a tag and making a holiday wish a reality for local children, senior citizens, veterans and more. The Gainey Trees are hosted each year by Cabarrus County Helping Hearts and Hands (Ch3), an employee-led charitable committee. Formerly called the Ch3 Helping Hands Tree, the program was renamed in 2011 to honor the memory of Wendy Gainey, a long-time employee of Cabarrus County who was passionate about giving back to our community. Here’s how it works: Select a gift tag from one of the Gainey trees On the table beside the tree, register your name and tag ID number on the sign-up sheet Purchase your choice of items from the wish list Do not wrap the gifts. Place the gifts in an open bag and label them with the tag ID number Return the gifts by Monday, December 2, at 5 p.m. where you picked up the tag. Drop-off instructions are located on the table beside the tree Location:65 Church St. S., Concord