Fundraising for the local Salvation Army is more than the Red Kettles you see in front of area businesses.
For the past 21 years, the annual Festival of Trees has been added to it. It is a great way to see some beautifully decorated Christmas trees and support the Salvation Army by voting for your favorite tree.
The Festival of Trees has become a beloved family tradition over the past 21 years.
Here’s how the event works: it’s a community effort. Local businesses or organizations sponsor a tree by providing decorations plus an incentive package valued at $200 or more. Many sponsors use their creativity to create a decorating theme for their tree, with some even carrying the theme through to their incentives. The trees are currently on display for all to enjoy, and visitors can vote for their favorite tree ($1=1 vote). The sponsor whose tree receives the most votes will receive the “People’s Choice” award.
On December 13, the night of the live public auction, lucky bidders will take home the fully decorated trees and the accompanying incentive packages. This year, 41 sponsored trees are up for grabs.
The tree that raises the most money overall (including auction proceeds) will receive the “Best of the Festival” award.
It’s a demonstration of our community’s generosity and creativity.
After a remarkable 20-year run at the Lycoming Mall, last year The Salvation Army successfully transitioned the event to 33 W. Third St. in Williamsport, and that’s where you’ll find the 2024 Festival of Trees, too. “The Salvation Army is incredibly grateful to the Lycoming County Commissioners for allowing us to hold the Festival of Trees in this space for a second year,” Major Sheryl Hershey, Williamsport Corps Officer/Pastor, told Webb Weekly.
“This location enables us to be part of all the holiday happenings downtown,” added Laura Templeton, the Williamsport Corps’ Community Relations & Development Director and Festival of Trees committee chair.
For example, on December 6, The Festival of Trees display was open for extended hours in coordination with Lycoming Arts’ First Friday, special promotions offered by merchants in the Williamsport Business Association, a new German Christmas Market hosted by Lycoming College, and the City of Williamsport’s holiday parade. That evening, the Festival of Trees also offered free visits/photos with Santa and was a participating location stamping “passports” that were redeemed for a commemorative pin and a chance at a gift basket at the German Market.
“The Festival of Trees is new to me,” said Lt. Holly Bilbay, a newly minted Salvation Army Officer/Pastor assigned to the Williamsport Corps this summer after graduating from The Salvation Army’s College for Officer Training. “I didn’t know what to expect. Sponsors brought co-workers, friends, and family — including children and grandchildren — to help on decorating day. Everyone was filled with Christmas spirit and having a great time. I hope it’s the same at the auction and that many people come out on December 13 to support The Salvation Army by bidding on these beautiful trees.”
Each year, Mike Roan, a professional auctioneer and founding member of the Festival of Trees committee, volunteers his services for auction night. Bidder registration opens at 6 p.m., and the auction kicks off at 7 p.m. This year’s incentives range from $200 in lottery tickets to a $1,500 package of Little League® apparel and merchandise, including more than 150 collectible Little League® pins. “The Festival of Trees auction is a win-win situation,” explained Roan. “Bidders get some good deals on great prizes, and all auction proceeds help The Salvation Army serve Lycoming County residents in the coming year.”
Throughout the year, the Williamsport Corps operates a food pantry and hygiene item closet and provides clothing/furniture vouchers, rent, and utility assistance to those impacted by an emergency. They also offer youth and music programs, summer camps, a Golden Agers program, women’s ministries, an expansive community garden/urban farm, a thrift store, weekly Sunday school and worship services, and more.
Over the past 21 years, the Festival of Trees has not only raised more than $21,000 for the local Salvation Army, but it has also made a significant impact on our community. It’s a testament to our collective spirit and generosity.
To learn more about The Salvation Army’s local programs and services or to volunteer this holiday season, please stop by the Williamsport Corps at 457 Market St. or call 570-326-9187, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
