Volunteers needed for Festival of Trees

BY CINDY TOOPES COURIER STAFF WRITER

October 15, 2008 12:16 am

— OTTUMWA — Cooler weather makes a mug of hot tea, tasty treats and beautiful evergreens sound like comfort and fun.
The Festival of Trees committee certainly hopes a lot of people like that idea because Ottumwa Habitat for Humanity will present its 16th annual Festival of Trees at Pennsylvania Place in less than six weeks.
The three day-event will open at 7 p.m. Nov. 21, with a reception “in the Forest of Trees” and end with tree pick-up at 3 p.m. Nov. 23.
The festival is the primary fundraiser for Ottumwa Habitat for Humanity and all proceeds will support the building or renovation of affordable housing.
“Habitat chooses families in need of good housing and works with them to create their new home,” said Judy Engle, Festival of Trees coordinator.
Once completed, the home is sold to the family at no profit and no interest. Engle said Habitat for Humanity isn’t a give-away project.
“It’s people helping people,” she said.
To make this fundraiser happen, numerous volunteers are needed for various jobs.
“We need lots of volunteers to decorate wreaths and trees and to make craft items,” Engle said.
Engle said the decorations have ranged from a jewelry tree, or a gambling tree, to a snowman tree. Some people have even decorated according to a theme, such as “The Wizard of Oz.”
People can decorate as many trees as they like and any age can decorate.
“This is a fun event that’s a good cause,” Engle said. “If you’re not creative, you can donate money and have someone decorate a tree for you in your name.
Something new is on the schedule and it involves that hot mug of tea.
“We’ll also need hostesses, or hosts, to serve at tables during ‘A Home for The Holidays Tea,’ which will be 2-4 p.m. Nov. 22 at Pennsylvania Place,” Engle said.
Tables can be for four or six people, maybe even eight, according to Engle. For a table of four, a person could donate $40 and buy a table and four tickets. They could invite friends or make the table and tickets a Christmas or birthday gift.
Engle said tickets for the tea will be $10 per person and reservations are required. Those interested should call the Festival of Trees Hotline at (641) 683-2199.
Letters to possible sponsors have gone out in the mail, she said. The letter explains Habitat’s mission and offers a variety of ways to contribute funds.
Engle emphasized there won’t be a silent auction. At last year’s event, several people said they “heard” there was one but the rumor was unfounded.
The festival also offers The Village Shoppe, which is a “wonderland of holiday decorations” made by local artists.
Activities for children include the Children’s Craft Corner, which will be open during the Holiday Forest Walk on Nov. 22. That’s when kids can view the trees, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus and enjoy Christmas stories.
Children could also have fun with “Dizzy the Clown” and her balloons. Face painting will also be available.
For more information, contact Engle at (641) 682-1438.
Cindy Toopes can be reached at (641) 683-5376 or via e-mail at cindy@ottumwacourier.com.

Festival of Trees Schedule of Events
General Admission: $3 (Event tickets include admission of day of event.)
Friday, Nov. 21
7 p.m.: Gala opening reception; In the Forest of Trees, $10 per person.
Saturday, Nov. 22
9 a.m. to 4 p.m: Festival hours.
9:30-11 a.m.: Children Holiday Activities, $3 per child, includes two crafts and goody bag; Dizzy the Clown; picture with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
2-4 p.m.: A Home for the Holidays Tea, $10 per person, reservations required.
Sunday, Nov. 23
12-3 p.m.: Festival hours
12 p.m.: Cookie Walk In the Village Shoppe
3 p.m.: Tree pick-up