Minnesota Prairie Roots

FIVE YEARS IN TO FARIBAULT’S Adopt-a-Tree Holiday Tree Program, the initiative to give Christmas trees to those in need continues to grow. This year 75 decorated artificial trees were donated and placed in Central Park. That’s up from some 20 trees when the program launched in 2020. Each December since, those numbers have increased.

This all started during the COVD-19 pandemic after restrictions on large gatherings resulted in cancellation of Hometown Holidays events. The trees in the park not only brought light and joy during an especially dark time, but also helped folks in my community who were struggling financially.

Initiated by the Faribault Parks and Recreation Department, which paired with nonprofit St. Vincent de Paul, the Adopt-a-Tree program gives Christmas trees to those who would otherwise not have one. If you’ve priced Christmas trees, you know they are costly.

The community quickly embraced the idea with service clubs, businesses, churches, individuals, nonprofits, schools and more buying and decorating trees to display in Central Park and then give away. These groups and individuals benefit, too, by raising awareness about their causes/organizations/businesses or simply by offering sponsors an opportunity to give back.

Adopt-a-Tree has truly built community spirit. To view these festive trees is to see generosity, compassion and care. To view these trees is to understand that Faribault folks genuinely want to help others. When we connect on that level, we are a stronger, better community.

I’ve seen the trees aglow at night from afar, a beautiful sight in Central Park along busy Second Avenue Northwest. I’ve seen the trees during daylight, too, when I walked through the park and looked more closely at the decorations and the tree sponsor information printed on signs.

Bulbs, other ornaments, garland, ribbon, lights…adorn trees, some with toppers, some without. Some trees are themed—the Grinch, candy canes, gingerbread men, reindeer…

No matter the decorations or the tree size or color (from flocked to white to black to assorted greens), the visual statement is the same. We care.

When individuals and families pick up their trees from Central Park this week, I can only imagine the happiness they feel knowing that a Christmas tree will grace their homes. What a gift. This is not just about a tree. This is also about feeling loved and cared for by community. And that will last long after ornaments have been removed, the tree dismantled and placed in storage.

We never know what someone is going through, whether struggling financially or otherwise. So if the simple gift of a decorated Christmas tree lifts spirits and makes the holidays bright, consider the long-lasting impact. Light breaks through darkness. Joy fills hearts. Hope rises.

© Copyright 2024 Audrey Kletscher Helbling