Community Festival of Trees Aims to Spread Holiday Cheer

A retired public educator from Brunswick County shared plans for the upcoming Festival of Trees, an annual holiday event aimed at supporting local initiatives, during a recent government meeting. The event, which debuted last year, is designed to raise funds for the sheriff's budget and provide scholarships for students, among other community goodwill efforts.

Scheduled to take place at the family life center in Hampstead, the festival will showcase approximately 30 decorated trees and wreaths available for sale. This year, organizers are introducing a \"buy now\" option for attendees, allowing them to purchase trees outright rather than bidding. The trees will be donated to preselected families in the Black Mountain area who are in need of holiday decorations.

The initiative has garnered significant community involvement, with local schools participating actively. Last year, over 50 students volunteered, gaining valuable experience in event management while working alongside law enforcement officers. The educator expressed gratitude for the support from staff and elected officials, emphasizing the importance of community engagement in making the event a success.