Christmas Tree Jubilee meets special needs

During Thanksgiving weekend, The Christmas Tree Jubilee in Ogden sold hundreds of themed trees to earn money for children in the Weber and Davis school districts. People in the community decorated and donated the trees, some of which included a black and silver Twilight tree, a Hawaiian palm tree and a fuzzy zoo animal tree. What started as a small initiative to help buy equipment for special needs children in 1980 has turned into an annual fundraiser, bringing thousands of dollars to the school district to help buy educational supplies, wheel chairs and communication devices for children with special needs. Kathleen Alder, a co-chair for the Christmas Tree Jubilee, said the fundraiser has expanded in the last few years to help special needs children, and fill other needs in the school districts. "We buy everything from wheelchairs and speaking devices to lifts," Alder said. "All things that help kids become more independent in our society." Weber State University senior Stephanie Hancock attends the Jubilee every year with her family. For five years they have bought a tree because the Christmas Tree Jubilee once benefitted their family. Hancock's brother Colton Smith has Cerebral Palsy and the Christmas Tree Jubilee bought him a wheelchair in middle school. "Since they bought him the wheelchair, he was able to be more accessible. Up until then, my parents had been using strollers, just trying to fit him in big strollers," Hancock said. "They were very, very appreciative, because all of the equipment these kids need is so expensive." Staci Lane, the other co-chair for the Christmas Tree Jubilee, said the Jubilee is a great way for Ogden to kick off the holidays. "Nothing gets you more into the holiday spirit than giving to a child in need," Lane said. According to Lane, the average price of a tree from the live auction is $2,000, and the silent auction is $700-800. Hancock said there are usually trees for smaller budgets too. "You can go in with a price that you want to pay, and usually find one within your budget," Hancock said. "We saw trees that the starting bid was 2,000. There are people who are generous enough to pay for it I guess." Lane suggested students who cannot afford a tree might donate or purchase boutique items instead. She also said they are already looking for volunteers for next year. Hancock said the fact that the Christmas Tree Jubilee is local, makes it more meaningful to attend. "I love it because it is local," Hancock said. "If you went to school in Weber School District, you'll see teachers, and lots of people you know. You'll see trees donated by people in the community, and the charity is helping kids in our area." WSU was represented at the Jubilee with trees donated from the Soccer Connection, Wilderness Recreation, and the Bookstore. There were a few other purple trees from unnamed departments on campus as well. Amber Robson, marketing coordinator from the WSU Bookstore, said they spent two weeks decorating their tree. "The best part is that we helped support the Christmas Tree Jubilee and the community here in Ogden," Robson said. "It's really important for everyone to support the community. When Weber State can do that, we all benefit from it."