SEVIERVILLE — Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center of the Smokies has launched its annual Give Hope for the Holidays Christmas Tree Project, calling on the community to help provide decorated artificial trees for children in Sevier County. This initiative aims to ensure that children served by the center, for whom the holidays can be challenging, receive a Christmas tree, potentially their first. The Inn at Christmas Place joins the project this year as Presenting Sponsor, supplying all trees for the effort.
Each December, Safe Harbor creates what Executive Director Maggie McNally Kimball described as "a Christmas wonderland" where children can choose a tree to take home. She explained that for many children the center serves, holidays can bring "uncertainty and painful memories." The decorated trees, themed from Barbie to Legos, represent more than just decorations; they serve as "tangible reminders that each child is seen, loved, and worthy of joy," Kimball stated. The excitement children show when selecting a tree is "unforgettable," she added.
The Inn at Christmas Place's involvement as Presenting Sponsor means every 3-foot artificial tree for the project is provided by the establishment. Victoria Jones, revenue and marketing manager at The Inn at Christmas Place, noted that their values align with Safe Harbor's work for local children. Jones added that if these trees can provide hope and joy, even for a moment, then "it's a win." Rev. Jill Dillner, volunteer coordinator for Give Hope for the Holidays, commented that The Inn at Christmas Place is a "perfect partner" and that their generosity ensures the trees are taken care of, allowing the community to focus on decorating.
Individuals, families, businesses, churches, and civic organizations are all invited to participate in decorating a tree. Volunteers can pick up a 3-foot artificial tree at The Ridge Outdoor Resort, located at 1250 Middle Creek in Sevierville, on Thursday, October 15, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Participants are asked to choose a child-friendly theme and bring the tree to life with string lights, a tree topper, a small tree skirt, and shatterproof ornaments, toys, or other decorations. All items should be securely attached, and edible decorations are not permitted.
Decorated trees should be returned to Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center, at 1109 Oak Cluster Drive in Sevierville, during designated drop-off times in November. The Give Hope for the Holidays project was founded by Brooke Ownby in 2014, who led the initiative for ten years, establishing it as a community tradition. This Christmas marks Rev. Jill Dillner's second year as the volunteer coordinator for the project. Dillner expressed honor in carrying forward the work Ownby started, highlighting that each returned tree shows a child that someone in the community cared. To learn more or to participate, individuals can visit Safe Harbor's Facebook page or contact Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center via email at [email protected].