MACHIAS – Machias Dental Care is trying to spread holiday cheer to Washington County children in need.

Dr. James Sparaga and the team at the dental center on 75 Court St., have placed a Spirit Tree in the office reception room.

The tree is decorated with paper ornaments that bear the age and gender of children whose families cannot afford the luxury of holiday gifts. Anyone may stop by the office from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Fridays and take an ornament to buy a gift for a needy child.

Gifts and identifying ornaments should be returned no later than 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, to the office.

Gifts should be unwrapped. Participants do not have to be patients. Call the office at 255-8601 for details.