ENFIELD — The holiday spirit will be high at the annual Tree-mendous Holiday Event the first weekend of December, with decorated trees and wreaths being raffled off to benefit The Woman’s Club of Enfield and Enfield Food Shelf.
“We expect to have 40 to 50 trees and wreaths fully decorated with gifts and gift cards for 2024. Individuals, groups and businesses donate trees and wreaths,” explained Sue Michaud, president of The Woman’s Club of Enfield. “Since 2016, Tree-mendous has raised almost $80,000 for Enfield Food Shelf and The Woman’s Club of Enfield.”
Enfield Food Shelf uses the event’s proceeds for weekly food distributions to the more than 2,800 residents that it serves. According to Kathleen Souvigney, executive director of Enfield Food Shelf, the money has been the equivalent of 166,666 meals for families.
“This has been a particularly difficult year for many local families,” noted Souvigney. “We have seen record increases of more than 30% in new families registering over last year’s figures.”
The Woman’s Club of Enfield has provided several thousands of dollars for Enfield High School scholarships from its portion of the proceeds.
The event begins on Friday, Dec. 6, with the Mix & Mingle event from 5-9 p.m. This free event is adult-focused with silent auctions, wine pulls, raffles, music and light refreshments. On Saturday, Dec. 7, the focus will turn toward families. This free event, which will run from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., will have a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and some kids’ activities all day. The raffle for the trees will continue with the drawing taking place at 8 p.m. Winners can pick up their trees on Sunday afternoon.
“Visitors are welcome to enjoy the beautiful displays, take holiday pictures and bid on trees or wreaths they like,” explained Michaud.
The event began in 2016 with 25 trees and wreaths at Enfield Square, growing in popularity until COVID-19, when it went virtual and then returned to its in-person format.
“My favorite part of the event is watching how much our visitors enjoy the holiday displays and how many families have made this a part of their holiday traditions,” said Souvigney. “We look forward to seeing everyone again this year.”
Tree-mendous Holiday Event will happen at Enfield Elks Club, 138 North Maple St. in Enfield. Anyone interested in donating a tree or sponsoring the event can contact Sharon Dambrosio of The Woman’s Club of Enfield at 860-763-5660 or Souvigney at Enfield Food Shelf at 860-741-7321.
