Christmas tree display helps generate money for Griffith’s Emergency Fund
A certain helping-hands group recently displayed their holiday spirit by overseeing the decorating of 41 trees near downtown Griffith.
Imagine Griffith is in the process of creating a colorful display of the trees as a fundraiser for the town of Griffith.
There is no cost to attend the DIY walk-through, but donations to the town’s Emergency Fund are accepted.
The Griffith Emergency Fund is a charitable organization aimed at supporting Griffith residents during a time of need.
“In the past, food drives in all the schools were held to add to this fund,” said Imagine Griffith chairman Valerie Wotkun.
“But this hasn’t been possible in the last few years, so they give a basket of gift cards instead to those in need.”
Imagine Griffith was formed 10 years ago with the purpose of coordinating volunteers with town events and activities.
In the past, the group has worked with the Redevelopment Committee on facade improvements in the town.
Individuals and groups sponsored each of the 41 trees, which are located along Broad Street. They had the option of decorating their own tree or Imagine Griffith could do it.
“We secure the trees on stakes and string the lights.” Wotkun added. “We use the ornaments each year and add more as needed. Also, some groups create their own ornaments, which is fun.”
Imagine Griffith’s secretary Sonia Lively, saw this type of project in Cedar Lake and wanted to try it in Griffith.
“We wanted to support our community and thought it would also be a nice way to add a bit of holiday cheer to the town,” she said. “Approximately 25 volunteers participated this year. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our town.”
Other projects undertaken by the Imagine
Griffith group are yearly designing and planting 32 flower pots in town, as well as plant and tend to a few garden beds.
“This year, we also had a public art project which evolved around a Purple Piano placed in a prominent spot in downtown,” Wotkun added. “Our theme was ‘Play in our Town’. We had several large wood cutouts of musical instruments that were all painted amazingly well and placed in various spots in town. We plan to expand that theme for next year - leaning towards games.”
Future plans for Imagine Griffith are possibly creating an art center for classes and activities in the Franklin Center.
At the present time, the town is deciding if it will keep the building.
“We don’t have another place to do this, so we hope this works out in our favor,” Wotkun added.