Good Samaritan Hospital employees this week once again continued a long tradition by purchasing Christmas gifts for needy children through the annual Giving Tree program. Through the program, gifts were bought for 145 less fortunate kids in the Vincennes Community, South Knox and North Knox elementary schools. Among the items were toys, games, clothing, crafts and other necessities. Each of the grade schools provided the hospital with information on 20 to 25 children who were in need on Christmas. Their parents filled out anonymous information sheets that included the child’s sizes, interests, favorite colors and wishes. The information along with the child’s age is added to a tag which is hung on a hospital tree. Employees then choose the kids they would like to buy gifts for. Good Samaritan Hospital in Vincennes began the Giving Tree program more than 30 years ago.