December’s arrival has brought with it plenty of work – and even more holiday goodwill – for the Wellesley & District Lions Club, which is in the midst of its Tree of Light campaign.
A fundraiser for community organizations such as Meals on Wheels, the Tree of Light initiative has been a staple in the area for some three decades.
On Sunday (December 8), club members will be at the Wellesley pond for a bench dedication in memory of Lion Susan Reid, after which they’ll be making their way around town playing Christmas carols to promote the campaign. The tree-lighting event itself is set for December 13, in conjunction with the Christmas Tyme parade.
The village is in Christmas mode at this point, notes club member Eunice Schade, pointing to the decorations in place, as well as campaign donation boxes at stores in Wellesley.
This weekend’s event will help kick the season into high gear, she said, noting the bench dedication involves a late member who was actively involved in the Tree of Light project during her 24 years with the club.
“When she passed away, the family actually … asked for donations to go to support the Tree of Light. She was big into the Tree of Light campaign, and was a key part of it,” said Schade, noting the star atop the tree will be lit in Reid’s memory.
The activities after Sunday’s dedication at the pond will help raise awareness about the community fundraising project.
“There are a lot of new people in town who don’t know what it’s all about,” she said.
All of the money raised by the campaign goes to support local charities each year. A $5 donation will light a bulb on the tree, while $25 will light up a string. Bulbs can be lit in memory of someone, in appreciation for something or simply to support worthwhile causes. New this year, income tax receipts can be issued for donations of $10 or more, Schade noted.
The tree located by the village pond will be lit up at a ceremony on December 13 after the parade, with the Lions offering up hot apple cider, cookies and carols. Even after the lighting, the club will continue to accept donations for the campaign until December 31.
