For the 15th time an event that helps brighten the holiday landscape and raise money to benefit the local Salvation Army will take place this Friday, December 8 at 7 p.m. at the Lycoming Mall.

These beautifully decorated trees will not only beautify and make the shopping experience for Christmas shoppers more aesthetically pleasing and make things seem more “Christmasy”, but will also serve the serious purpose of helping to raise money for a worthy organization — the Salvation Army.

This annual event is sponsored by the Lycoming Mall, Backyard Broadcasting and Roan Real Estate (Mike Roan – auctioneer). Webb Weekly and the Williamsport Sun-Gazette are also key supporters.

“We thank all our sponsors and key supporters for all their help. Without their efforts the annual Festival of Trees would not be successful,” Tony Perrotta, director of public relations, fund development and marketing for the local Salvation Army, told Webb Weekly.

This year’s event has a total of 40 beautifully decorated trees with great incentives on which to bid.

There are several new tree sponsors this year. There are also many that have supported the Festival of Trees for many years. A listing of all trees with incentives can be seen by going to the Salvation Army’s web page: http://www.salvationarmywilliamsport.org

New this year, you can vote for your favorite tree online. Visit the Salvation Army web page (listed above), and you will have an opportunity to vote for your favorite and help the Salvation Army raise needed dollars.

From the diverse listing of those sponsoring a tree this year, the auction will have something for everyone; from a room makeover, to hand-painted ornaments, to gift certificates from area businesses.

The successful bidder not only receives the incentives but the trees and all the decorations.

The auction begins promptly at 7 p.m. Come early to register and enjoy fun and fellowship with all those attending this special night for The Salvation Army. The auction is located in the old Gap store (across from Dairy Queen).

As in other years, the tree auction will be conducted by veteran auctioneer, Mike Roan.

“This year we have had more participation at all levels,” Roan said. “There seems to be an upswing in interest and having at least 40 trees involved is an indication of that. I think this is extra significant in light of some of the challenges that the Mall has been going through. This is a great fundraising event that helps out a great group such as the Salvation Army and I am proud again to be part of it.”

Others who are involved with the “Festival of Trees” are also pleased with their involvement with it.

Dolores Johnson, Administrative Assistant at the Williamsport Home, states that, “The Salvation Army and the Festival of Trees is one of the events The Williamsport Home likes to support. The Salvation Army is one of the leading community agencies that are able to meet individual and family needs. All funds raised remain local, and the Salvation Army values the dollars raised as they place value on each dollar received.”

Greg Crouce owner of G C Interiors states that, “The Salvation Army is his charity of choice and is happy to support The Festival of Trees each year.” Tony Perrotta said that the room makeover supplied by GC Interiors is highly valued again this year.

Major(s) Donald and Paula Spencer would like to thank all those who support the Salvation Army’s Festival of Trees. “This fundraising event is especially important this year as our donations received thus far are down from previous years, but the need for help remains high,” Major Spencer states. “The Salvation Army, through its programs and services, meets the needs of children, families, men, women, and seniors in our community. Within the past 12 months, the Salvation Army has provided assistance and help in a variety of ways. Through our Food Pantry, over 3,263 grocery orders have provided supplemental food to families, individuals and seniors. Over 180 families have received utility assistance to avoid shut-off, and 46 families received financial assistance for rent to avoid evictions. The Salvation Army provided 410 food baskets, 5,690 toys, and 1,375 clothing items during the 2016 Christmas season.”

The Salvation Army Red Shield Garden provides the community with a place to plant food as well as education on planting and harvesting. The Red Shield Community Garden produced 2,000 pounds of produce this past year for families within our community.
In addition to basic needs, The Salvation Army provides fellowship programs, educational programs (such as financial management), uplifting spiritual programs, a basketball program, etc. In addition, The Salvation Army provides hot meals and snacks with programs such as the Golden Agers Club and Youth Programs.
Your dollars contributed to The Salvation Army are appreciated and valued. The Salvation Army ranks among the top 10 most trusted non-profit organizations in America. It uses 83 cents for every dollar donated to provide direct services and 90 percent of the donated dollars stay within our community. Programs and services provided by The Salvation Army could not be accomplished without special events such as the 15th Annual Festival of Trees. Your support is much appreciated. Vote for your favorite tree; come to the auction on December 8 at 7 p.m. to bid on your favorite tree and the listed incentives.
Thank you for your support.
For more information of programs and services at The Salvation Army, please call at 570-326-9187.