ALLENDALE, Mich. — When it comes to the holiday season, some families view the Christmas tree is a staple for the season.
But unfortunately, not everyone can afford one or can experience what it is like to pick a tree out. Because of this, a church in Allendale is trying to change that.
"Christmas is very expensive. We just want to make Christmas accessible for everybody,” said Elaine Ebling, Mission Outreach Coordinator for Valley Church.
Valley church is collecting artificial trees for its Artificial Christmas Tree Farm on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at 5980 Lake Michigan Dr.
Ebling said this is the third year the church is collecting trees to give to families with special needs family members and to families in need.
"We really feel like the experience of being able to come to a tree farm to start the holiday season in early December is going to carry them through into Christmas,” said Ebling.
She says creating the tree farm allows families to pick a tree in space they feel comfortable in.
“It's really great that we were able to provide that experience for them, to be able to do something they might not otherwise have the opportunity to. To go out into public and have a low sensory ADA, accessible environment and to be able to come through a mobility device, or just to need a low sensory environment,” said Ebling.
She says it also allows families in a tough financial situation not stress about decorating for the holidays.
So far, they only have 12 trees and they need about 40.
Which is why they are encouraging people in the community to help out the cause.
"If anybody is able to donate a tree, we would really appreciate that. Like I said, it can be new or gently used,” said Ebling.
The church is collecting trees until Dec. 1.
If you are interested in donating a tree, you can either drop off the tree during business hours on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. until noon. Or you can call to set up an appointment.
If you are interested in receiving a tree, you can email or call 616-892-1042 to sign up.