Christmas in the Community-Holiday Service Project

Are you all running around getting ready for Christmas? I know I am. This year, I wanted to take time (beyond my usual toys donation) to give back to the community with a holiday service project. I was trying to brainstorm ideas for a project when a fortunate email came into my in box.

There, I found a generous offer from Christmas Tree Market for the donation of a 7.5' artificial tree to the charity of my choice! Serendipity.

I participate in a regular service project through a local organization called Lynne’s Garage, which donates weekly school lunches to residents at Sarah’s Hope, an emergency shelter for women and children here in Baltimore. I spoke with them regarding a tree donation and received an enthusiastic response.

I wanted to provide the families at Sarah’s Hope with an experience most may take for granted – a fun and festive tree trimming afternoon. I asked friends and family to help us by gathering supplies to decorate the tree and provide yummy treats!

Let’s just say, they served it up with ease! Thank you, friends, for your time, energy and generous donations!!

We set up the tree in less than a half hour and laid out the donated ornaments for the residents to simply come and enjoy trimming it.

And, boy, did they enjoy it!

The kids were so excited and happy. Lots of “I did it myself!” and giggles all around.

I felt so happy being a part of bringing color and Christmas sparkle to lives that can use a little brightness.

A hearty thank you to Christmas Tree Market for their donation. The wonder and joy we brought to these kids simply made my holiday! This little boy was especially happy. He came fresh from a dive into his sister’s baby powder, but it didn’t slow him down! I’m so happy they’ll have these decorations up all month to enjoy.

Just as a side, and this was neither solicited or requested, but I thought the artificial tree from Christmas Tree Market looked amazing and, I am really not a artificial tree fan. It definitely looked realistic and had great coverage. I am really impressed with the quality of the product and the ease with which it went together. Okay, back to my shopping list!