The State's Holiday Kids Tree has been located and will be delivered to our state capitol shortly after Thanksgiving. The tree is a Noble fir between 25 and 30 ft and comes from Rayonier forests.
The tree will be placed in the Rotunda of our state capitol building in Olympia and officially lighted by Gov. Chris Gregoire and AWB Chair of the Board Doug Bayne on Friday, Dec. 7. The ceremony is open to the public.
For 23 years now, the Association of Washington Business has been making holiday dreams come true for area families in need through the Holiday Kids’ Tree Project.
Washington Forest Protection Association members traditionally provide the tree and this year Rayonier's Bill Monahan and Russ McCaslin are coordinating the delivery of the tree.
AWB President Don C. Bruell said: "The holidays are especially difficult for families who cannot provide gifts and food for their children, particularly in rural areas. That’s why AWB is again partnering with firefighters in Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason, Thurston, Grant, Walla Walla and Spokane counties to provide donations to families in need."
Emergency responders see the need in their communities every day. Donations from this project are the often only funds fire departments and emergency responders receive to help families during the holiday season.
To date, AWB members and friends have donated nearly $17,000 to pay for the tree's decorations and for needy families. Since its inception, nearly $300,000 has been collected to pay for the tree and decorations and to provide food baskets and gifts for the rural families.
For additional information, please contact Bonnie Millikan at AWB.
