Lawrence’s annual Festival of Trees helps raise money for rebranded children’s shelter

photo by: John Young

In this file photo from Nov. 29, 2015, Lawrence resident Nilou Vakil puts the finishing touches on a tree for the annual Festival of Trees at Liberty Hall.

Lawrence’s Festival of Trees has been a traditional way to kick off the holiday season for decades. But in this, its 31st year, the event is helping to raise money for an organization that now has a new name.

The Children’s Shelter, formerly known as the Shelter Inc., is an agency that has provided emergency residential services for youths and families in Lawrence and the surrounding communities since 1981.

Gina Meier-Hummel, executive director of the agency, said it typically serves about 2,000 children at any given time. It provides emergency residential services for children who may be in transition in the child welfare system, as well as longer-term residential care for children in state custody.

She said the Festival of Trees typically raises about $80,000, which makes up a substantial portion of the program’s annual budget.

This year’s event runs from Monday, Nov. 27, through Sunday, Dec. 3, at Lawrence’s historic Liberty Hall, 644 Massachusetts.

Businesses, families, housing groups and clubs donate decorated trees and wreaths that are on display for the public to view and enjoy. The main event, though, is the Gala Auction Party, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 29, where people are invited to bid for the purchase of a tree or wreath.

This year’s event will feature more than 50 trees and 20 wreaths donated by individuals and groups from throughout the community.

Public viewing is open from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday. Suggested donations during those times is $5 for adults and children over age 12.

The Wednesday evening events start with a Patron Preview Party beginning at 6 p.m. Suggested donation for that is $60. That will be followed by the auction party at 7:30 p.m., where a $40 donation is suggested for admission.

Meier-Hummel said the trees and wreaths will remain on display for public viewing through the following Sunday, and those that are sold at the auction will be delivered to their buyers on Monday, Dec. 4.