Festival of Trees event prepares for kickoff

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - It's been 12 years since the Springfield Boys and Girls Club began raising money through a dazzling display of full adorned Christmas trees, donated by various sponsors in the Pioneer Valley.

The trees will go on display at Tower Square starting the morning of the Parade of the Big Balloons downtown, the day after Thanksgiving.

Families given a first look at the glittering array of trees walked away impressed with what they saw. Judy Davidson of Springfield told 22News, “My favorite one the music tree, I adore music it's my favorite thing in the whole wide world besides Christmas”.

Boys and Girls Club Executive Director Gary McCarthy told 22News, The Festival of Trees revenue has allowed the Boys and Girls Club to afford programs they typically would not be able to have.

“An important part of the Boys and Girls Clubs is our open door policy where kids from anywhere in the neighborhood can drop into the Boys and Girls Club anytime he or she needs it, those funds are the greatest to find these days,” Said McCarthy.

Once The Festival of Trees ends on December 9oth, each of the 109 trees will go to a family lucky enough to have the winning lottery numbers.