Photo contributed by the Washington Public Library.

People in the community will be a little bit warmer this winter, thanks in part to the Mitten Tree at the Washington Public Library. The tree was decorated with about 175 items including hats, mittens, gloves and scarves. The donations will be distributed by HACAP, the Washington Police Department and area schools and pre-schools. Each year the library has the tree near the entrance and donations, including hand-made pieces, are place on the tree. Director of the library, Debbie Stanton, says it has been fun to see the decorations pile up and adds the children that receive the handmade items are very appreciative.