It has been a tough year for all of us because of COVID, and one agency that has been at the forefront of helping those in need because of COVID has been the local Salvation Army. Their financial coffers have taken a hard hit as a result of their COVID-related relief efforts. But at the end of this tough year, a shining beacon of hope represented by the Salvation Army is their annual Festival of Trees, which is a colorful and beautiful way to help them raise needed funds will be held on Friday, December 11.

Bright lights are on display at Center Court at Lycoming Mall as the 18th Annual Festival of Trees is underway. Twenty-four (24) Christmas trees are beautifully decorated by community businesses as they support this fundraising event.

According to Anthony Perrotta, Director for Public Relations, Program and Fund Development, The Salvation Army is truly grateful to the Lycoming Mall, Backyard Broadcasting, Roan Real Estate (Mike Roan – auctioneer), and new event sponsor Pennsylvania Skills for their willingness to be part of the event during the most trying of times.

“We thank the twenty-four (24) participants for their support,” Perrotta told Webb Weekly. “Those 24 supporting participants are Alexander Kia, Wolf Run Veterinary Clinic, Cummings Sales and Service, Sanders Mortuary, Woodlands Bank, Hans Cedardale Satellite, Raceway Self and Mobile Storage, Boom City Brewing, PALCO Federal Credit Union, Kent A. Bennett and Associates, Miele Amusements, Janet’s Floral, Moff and Associates, BiLo Supply, the Salvation Army Thrift Shop, Central Contracting, Franco’s Lounge, Frito Lay, the Lycoming Mall and the Miller Family, Fink’s Paint Store, Clark’s Sales and Service, Sam’s Club, Buttery Biscuit, Lycoming College, and Susquehanna Community Bank.

The 18th Annual Festival of Trees auction is scheduled for Friday, December 11 at 7 p.m. near Lycoming Mall center court. All COVID-19 procedures will be strictly enforced — social distancing and masks must be worn during the auction.

According to Perrotta, since March, The Salvation Army has given direct assistance to over 6,400 families within our community:

The Food Pantry has tripled in families needing food and supplies. Over 500 prepackaged meals were distributed each week. School materials and activity boxes were delivered to families. The Salvation Army became the food and supply warehouse distribution for Central PA.

Today, the Salvation Army will be the sole agency distributing Toys (and Food) this Christmas — with the help from their Angel Tree program and Toys for Tots.

PA Work Wear (administered by The Salvation Army) is helping with employment needs, rental and utility requests, and the increasing number of families to be helped during this Christmas season

“Your support is greatly appreciated as we conduct the Festival of Trees as well as Christmas Kettles at Wal Mart and Sam’s Club,” Perrotta concluded.

Major Donald Spencer, head of the local Salvation Army, spoke of the importance of giving to the Salvation Army this year.

“During this time, our fundraising has had many challenges. Due to the economic realities of the pandemic, it was necessary to cancel four primary fundraising events throughout the year,” Spencer said. “Last year, we raised over $50,000 at these events. However, due to the cancellations, we are left without these valuable monetary resources. As an added note, we are also concerned about prospects of the 2020 Red Kettle Bellringing, which traditionally raises over $60,000.”

“In addition to our shortfall in revenue, our needs have increased dramatically due to the pandemic. A listing of our services over these past months is included as The Williamsport Salvation Army has continually served the needy in our community throughout these trying times.”