The Community Trees program at Cantigny’s McCormick House is underway.
Seven local charities were invited by the McCormick Foundation to decorate a Christmas tree that fits with the theme of their organization.
“If a charity agrees to participate in this program, the foundation gives them $2500 for coming here and decorating a tree,” said Will Buhlig, interim director at McCormick House. “And once the tree is up, folks can come and not only see the tree but they can also vote on which tree they liked the best. And the tree that receives the most votes at the end gets an additional $2500 for their efforts.”
And this year two of the charities are Naperville-based.
Unity Partnership works to create positive relationships between the police and civilians and Operation Welcome You Home organizes events of support for soldiers leaving for or returning from active duty.
“Here at McCormick House we know Mr. McCormick was very fond of animals and veterans and we try to get those organizations that do those types of things here at the house to display that to the folks that come to the house,” said Buhlig.
There is also a collection box for each organization if museum visitors would like to donate directly to a charity.
This is the ninth consecutive year McCormick House has put on the Community Trees program and the trees are on display until December 30.
Naperville News 17’s Casey Krajewski reports.
