Written By Lisa Breslin

Christmas came to Westminster resident Kathy Brown’s house on a hot day in July. Eight elves decorated small Christmas trees in themes that honored cultures around the world, tucking gifts beneath each tree, including certificates to local stores and collectable heirlooms.

The elves were actually volunteers who hope that early preparations for a Festival of Trees at the Town Mall of Westminster in late November will bring in big bucks for The Shepherd’s Staff, a faith-based nonprofit organization that reaches out to the needy.

In late November through mid-December, the mall’s halls will be decked with 30 decorated trees that stand three feet high. Each tree will have a theme. Some are whimsical (like the tree with dog treats or the one with sports memorabilia); some trees are serious (like tributes to the military or miracles that have happened).

Many trees pay tribute to holiday traditions around the world. This year, the Festival of Trees will also include 5-foot trees and taller.

The fundraising effort breaks down like this: Trees are adopted by sponsors for $200 or more. Brown and her dedicated committee of volunteers have been decorating the trees since July, using many items and trinkets donated to Shepherd’s Staff throughout the year.

“We have had fun watching for the donations that could be used for either decorations or gifts under each tree,” said volunteer Kristy Vandervalk. “The production costs have been low, but each tree is quite lovely.”
In addition to tree sponsors (and there are still sponsor spots available), Brown said funds come in through a silent auction for each tree. The festival will also include a raffle for the Christmas Village train set, which is created and donated by Westminster Rotary. The holiday train, which is more than 5 feet long, will be moved to and assembled at the winner’s home.

Last year, plans for the fundraiser were made in August. The trees were purchased in September; in October, volunteers collected donations and decorating began in November. Two people spearheaded the effort which raised approximately $8,000.

This year, eight volunteers launched the decorating process in July, and organizers hope to garner much more.

Shepherd Staff’s hallmark outreach efforts include a Back to School store where families can pick up backpacks brimming with supplies and coupons for haircuts and shoes, and programs that help families cover over-the-top expenses, including prescription drug, heating and gas bills.

The Festival of Trees begins November 28 and runs through December 13, Monday through Friday from noon until 9 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. until 9 p.m., and Sunday, 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.

For more information or to sponsor a tree, call (410) 857-5944.