City Lights Bookstore has started the 12th year of its annual Holiday Giving Tree, a program designed to put books in the hands of local children during the holiday season.

Each year since 1998 the store has worked with local social service agencies to come up with an anonymous list of Jackson County children in need.

Bookstore customers are invited to buy a book for a child at a 20 percent discount and put it under the store’s Christmas tree. Books will be picked up by the social service agencies and delivered to children in time for the holiday.

A bookmark identifying the age and gender of the child is available at the bookstore, and customers can buy for that child. The store has a wide selection of Spanish-language books, as well, for bi-lingual and Spanish-speaking children. (Language choice is also designated on the bookmark, so that customers know the recipient’s preference.)

The deadline for participation is Sunday, Dec.19, when the store is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For information call 828.586.9499.