Festival of Trees Raises Money to Purchase Toys, Clothing for Children

The Green Team won “Best in Show,” while $559 in donations was raised to purchase toys and clothing this holiday season for underprivileged children in Wayne County, during the 22nd annual Festival of Trees at Wayne State College.

The annual event was coordinated by the Wayne State Student Senate and the Nebraska Delta chapter of Pi Gamma Mu, the international honor society in social sciences. A record 25 entries were on display in November in the Student Center atrium.

All campus clubs, offices, organizations, athletic teams, residence hall floors, and other groups are encouraged to enter and decorate a tree. The event serves three purposes: students who may not have an opportunity to decorate a tree during the holidays get to do so; the Student Center atrium is brightened for three weeks with colorful entries; and each participating group agrees to contribute a modest donation, which is used to provide toys and clothing to underprivileged children in Wayne County.

There is also a competitive aspect to the Festival of Trees. Anonymous judges from the college’s professional staff determine which tree will be crowned “Best in Show.” Other notable trees recognized this year included:

Track & Field Throws Team, Most Marvel-ous Tree
Drama Club, Most Show-stopping Tree
Crochet Club, DIY Excellence Tree
KWSC 91.9 The Cat, Most Retro Revival Tree
Criminal Justice Association, Most Captivating Crime Scene Tree
The Max Lovers, Most Grinch-tastic Tree

For more information about Pi Gamma Mu, contact Dr. Randy Bertolas, professor of geography at Wayne State and faculty advisor for Pi Gamma Mu, at [email protected].