The Rotary Club of Haddonfield will hold its third consecutive Christmas tree extravaganza beginning Sunday, Nov. 12, at the Haddonfield library and the former Jay West store.
Sponsored by Verona Ristorante, the display will feature 10 trees on the library’s first floor and six in the store’s windows. As in the past, sponsors have chosen to donate and decorate artificial trees for auction and pick themes for each entry. Last year’s included a tribute to Philadelphia sports teams and one representing animals and pet supplies.
Winners can take their trees home, and funds raised will benefit student wellness programs at all three Haddonfield elementary schools.
“Last year, 200 students did yoga and mindfulness (and) stress relief, and we’re hoping this year to expand the program,” said Jill Lawlor, head of public relations for the Rotary.
Next to the trees will be a QR code with more information about them and individuals will also be able to place bids on the display’s first day.
The tree program grew out of concern for the emotional wellness of children during and after COVID, according to a Rotary press release. Three six-week counseling sessions were provided by the Project Little Warriors nonprofit, which offers mindfulness programs and yoga classes to students in Camden and Burlington counties.
This year’s tree sponsors include the following:
- ABC Appliances
- Dr Amy James and Associates
- Five Story Media
- Contes Card Castle
- Diana Flanagan, BHHS Fox & Roach Realtors
- Sofia Karakasidou Kuzina by Sofia
- The Costello Group at Compass Realty
- Rosie Hymerling-
- Symphony in C
- Haddonfield Library
- Markeim Arts Center
- Wrought Advisors
- D&Q Snow
- Republic Bank
- Karen Hagerman
- Michael Gotwals
- Ross and Rasa Kaye Brittain
The display will kick off its first day with a visit from Santa, who will read “The Night Before Christmas” to kids at the library. The “visit” is sponsored by Kate Zschech of Coldwell Banker Realty and will take place from 2 to 4 p.m.
“Two-hundred students getting wellness in this day and age, with so many issues with mental health and children’s well-being, we’re really proud of the fact that we could help,” Lawlor said.
The trees will be on display through Thursday, Nov. 16, when bidding will take place.
