Tree-mendous gifts. Christmas trees provide joy to kids of all ages across North Idaho.
Nearly thirty magnificent Christmas trees will be auctioned off at the Festival of Trees gala next Saturday night, raising tens of thousands of dollars to help expand Kootenai Health’s emergency and operating rooms.
It’s a noble cause, but what happens to those trees after the fundraising weekend?
“What makes the Festival of Trees truly special is the giving just continues throughout the entire community,” said Britt Towery, Kootenai Health Foundation manager. “Some trees go into private homes or they’re displayed in local businesses. Many of these trees are donated to local nonprofits and families in need. That is truly amazing.”
The Children’s Village, a nonprofit that cares for kids who have been abused, neglected or whose families are in crisis, receives a Christmas tree every year at its residential facility in Coeur d’Alene. The donated tree also comes with presents and other goodies that dazzle the eyes.
“We really look forward to it every year,” said Janet Davis, Executive Director of Children’s Village. “When the children first see it, they just stop and stare. They’re looking at the tree in awe. Later, you’ll find them sitting under the tree reading books with caregivers or simply looking at the tree. It’s really amazing.”
Mountain Power Construction has purchased or decorated Festival of Trees’ Christmas trees for the last 10 years. The 100-employee business displays its tree at its Post Falls headquarters, but the company donates the accompanying gifts to a family in need, said Mountain Power Construction Chief Financial Officer Paige Richards.
“It’s a big holiday tradition for our company,” said Richards. “We believe in giving back. We end up giving the tree back to the Foundation after the holidays so that it can be used next year.”
Christmas trees from the Festival of Trees are enjoyed by kids of all ages. The Village at Orchard Ridge, whose assisted living and memory care and low-income housing has received donated trees for years, is grateful for the generous gift.
“The Festival of Trees touches so many lives,” said Ann Johnson, Executive Director. “It’s a blessing to receive a tree. The residents sit by the tree through the holidays. They take pictures with their families. Just being able to sit by the fireplace next to a beautiful tree can be such a wonderful thing for the holidays.”
In recent years, the Boys & Girls Club of Kootenai County received a special Seahawks themed tree from an anonymous donor. It was proudly displayed at the Jordan-Johnson Clubhouse in Post Falls, said Jaymee Paul, Branch Director in Coeur d’Alene.
“The kids were super excited about it,” said Paul. “We ended keeping it up well into January. We’re grateful that someone wanted to invest and bless our organization.”
For more information about the Festival of Trees or to get involved, contact the Kootenai Health Foundation at (208) 625-4438 or email: foundation@kh.org
By MARC STEWART
Staff Writer