An opportunity to brighten the holiday landscape and at the same time, support the excellent work of the local Salvation Army takes place when the 17th Salvation Army Festival of Trees takes place this Friday, December 13, at 7 p.m. at the Lycoming Mall.

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. The folks at the Salvation Army thank all their sponsors and key supporters for all their support. Without their efforts, the annual Festival of Trees would not be successful.

This year’s event has a total of 37 beautifully decorated trees with great incentives in which to bid. Trees can be seen at the Lycoming Mall — in the storefront next to Victoria’s Secret.

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. Some of the new trees this year are Fink’s Paint Store, Legal InSites, Susquehanna Community Bank, Lycoming County Dairy Princess, and Raceway Self & Mobile Storage.

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

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 told Webb Weekly.

This is the third year that Kaufman’s Funeral Home has supported the Festival of Trees. Scott (Kaufman) states that ‘the auctions are fun and it is good to support such a worthwhile community organization. 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.”

Janet Johns, the owner of Janet’s Floral, said, “The Salvation Army is our charity of choice, and we are happy to support the Festival of Trees each year’. Tony Perrotta, director of public relations and fund development for the local Salvation Army, said that Janet’s tree and incentives are beautiful each year and highly valued again this year. Janet’s Floral has been a supporter of The Salvation Army’s Festival of Trees for many years.

From the diverse listing of those sponsoring a tree this year, the auction will have something for everyone; Penn State luggage 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 at the Lycoming Mall in the storefront next to Victoria’s Secret.

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 2017 Christmas season.

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. They use 83 cents for every dollar donated to provide direct services, and 90 percent of the donated dollars stay within our community.