On December 8th, members of the Merrillan Lions Club delivered free Christmas Trees and ornaments to families in need in Jackson County. This was the first year of the Lions Christmas tree program.
The club created the Christmas tree program as part of the revival of the Merrillan the Christmas Tree Festival, which was held on the fourth Saturday of August. Merrillan Lions Club President, Bill Laurent stated, “2024 was the 50-year anniversary of our club, so we wanted to do something to commemorate Merrillan’s heritage while also serving the community. We decided to bring back the Christmas Tree Festival, which was last held sometime in the 1980s.” The club collected Christmas tree ornaments, lights, and decorations during festival and stored them until Christmas.
A local family in need submitted their application for a tree on the Lions club website, www.merrillanlions.org. To be eligible, the family must have at least one child age ten or less. The application deadline was December 1st. The club selected and notified recipients on December 5th.
Laurent stated the club delivered trees to families who had a variety of circumstances. Some examples include families who suffered recent home loss, an older couple who unexpectedly received custody of a grandchild, and a mother and daughter who were starting over after an abusive relationship. The club also worked with Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council (WDEOC) to distribute trees. Laurent said the club approached WDEOC because the agency mission is to alleviate poverty-related conditions and provide opportunities which enable people to advance economically and socially. Laurent added that in some cases, this was a family’s first Christmas Tree. It was wonderful to share the excitement expressed by both children and parents when delivering trees.
The Merrillan Lions Club thanks Northern Family Farms for donating the Christmas Trees and members of the local community for donating the ornaments and lights.
The club will continue the program in 2025. Ornaments can be donated to the club during the Annual Christmas Tree Festival held on the 4th Saturday of August each year, or by appointment by contacting Bill Laurent at (715) 896-3340, or by bringing them to the Merrillan Village hall during normal working hours.
Photo from left to right: Merrillan Lion’s Club Members Bill Laurent, Arnet Holty, Heather Sonsalla, Anita Laurent, Amber Sonsalla, and Nette Stainbrook (not pictured) remove trees and ornaments from storage for delivery to families in need.