Second annual Christmas Tree Challenge sponsored by Our Town Coshocton
Karaline Graham, 8, of Keene Kountry Kids 4 -H club, puts the finishing touches on the Christmas Tree sponsored by her club. Their tree was part of the Our Town Coshocton Christmas Tree Challenge that was held at the Salvation Army on Saturday, Dec. 14. Jen Jones | Beacon
COSHOCTON – Local businesses, organizations, and individual families gathered in the gym at the Salvation Army on Saturday, Dec. 14 for the second Christmas Tree Challenge.
“Last year, we kind of did it last minute and had a good turnout,” said Denise Guthrie, with Our Town Coshocton. “Everyone enjoyed it and we wanted another small event to do, so we decided to do this again.” For $25, anyone could sponsor a tree. The trees were provided by Our Town Coshocton. “We got the trees from Morrow Christmas Tree farm for a reduced price and they brought them to the Salvation Army for us.”
Salvation Army staff helped get all of the trees into stands so they would be ready to decorate. Each group that sponsored a tree was responsible for decorating the tree. After the event, the trees were given to local families, who got to pick their favorite tree.
“Sixteen trees were decorated this year. We hope to grow the event because the need is so great. It’s a way to give back to the community, and we are so grateful for everyone who sponsored a tree. We even have a few businesses that don’t have an actual store, but they are such a vital part of our community,” said Guthrie.
Keene Kountry Kids 4-H club was one of the tree sponsors this year. Janelle Richard said they chose to do the tree as a community service project and to promote 4-H giving back to the community. “We showed a few pictures of trees to the families and this was the one they picked. Most of the decorations were made by the families in our club.” The tree was decorated with dried fruit, bows and other ornaments.
Katie Hultz, who owns Katie Bakes, also sponsored a tree. “I believe in giving back to the community that supports me with my business.” The theme of her tree was candy canes and included ornaments with small cookies in them. Her son, Ryan Quinlan, was helping to decorate her tree.
Rose of Sharon Retreat chose penguins and ice for their theme. Co-owners Jacque Wagner and Vickie Davis both feel the need to give back to the community. Davis said, “This is our second year doing it, and we decided to do it every year. It’s something we like to do.” Wagner agreed and added, “It’s all about supporting and giving back to the community.”
Category: People & Places
