To the Editor:

The Helderberg Family and Community Organization would like to invite you to join us in the celebration of the fourth annual “Festival of Trees.”  Individuals, families, businesses, groups, and organizations are invited to sponsor and decorate a tree for our community display.

Sponsored trees generally fall in one of three categories:

— Memorial Trees: We invite families to decorate a tree in memory of a loved ones who has passed;

— Honor Trees: We invite individuals, families, and groups to use this opportunity to raise awareness or honor the courage of others. An example of an honor tree would be a red, white, and blue-themed tree to honor our military service men and women or a tree decorated in pink to honor those affected by breast cancer; or

— Celebration Trees: Celebration trees are trees that are decorated around a theme. For example: “Celebrate Literacy” or “Celebrate Nature.”

In addition to the beautiful display of trees, this year’s festivities will include a tree-decorating party for all participants and a Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 4 at the Berne firehouse for the community to enjoy.

The Festival of Trees will be on display behind the Knox firehouse from Dec. 3, 2022, through Jan. 7, 2023.

Trees are available to decorate for a $60 donation. This donation covers the cost of the premium 7- to 8.5-foot tree, the stand, a signpost, and related electrical needs such as lead cords and adapters. The participants provide lights and outdoor decorations. Additional information will be provided upon receipt of the order form and payment.

This year, we are excited to include a Christmas Tree Sale. Please consider ordering your family’s  Christmas tree through the HFCO. We are offering a 7- to 8.5-foot,  premium-grade balsam fir tree for $50. Pre-ordered Christmas trees will be available on Nov. 20 for pick-up.

The HFCO is an all-volunteer, non-profit (501c3) youth and community development organization whose mission is to support the growth and well-being of the children and families of the Helderbergs and surrounding communities.

Our goal is to offer opportunities for children to connect with caring adults through a variety of programs and events. The holiday season provides for us the perfect opportunity for our communities to celebrate together and to demonstrate our support for our children and each other.

Your donation to the HFCO supports: Food, clothing, and toy drives; sports and art camps; fall soccer program; discovery workshops; Helderberg Heroes program; Festival of Trees; Hearts and Hands Club; Adopt A Family; the Jean Forti Scholarship Program; and Breakfast with Santa.

Order forms and additional information may be found by visiting our website at www.helderbergfco.com. Please note that all orders for trees are due to HFCO by Oct. 15.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at or call me, Maryellen Gillis, at 518-872-1899.

Thank you for your continued support.

Maryellen Gillis

President

Helderberg Family and

Community Organization