Tiny Tree Donations Are Back to Bring Holiday Cheer to Hospitalized Children at Erlanger

Photo by Stephanie Klepacki on Unsplash

Chattanooga, TN – As the holiday season approaches, residents in the Chattanooga area are coming together to bring joy to young patients at the Children’s Hospital at Erlanger through the much-anticipated “Tiny Trees” program. Coordinated by CHE’s Child Life and Erlanger Volunteer Services, this heartwarming initiative aims to brighten the lives of hospitalized children and their families during the festive season.

The Children’s Hospital at Erlanger (CHE) is calling for contributions of miniature Christmas trees to adorn the rooms of young patients throughout December. These small, lovingly decorated trees serve as beacons of hope and positivity during challenging times. Child life specialists will personally deliver these trees to the children’s rooms, creating a festive atmosphere within the hospital. Importantly, when the young patients are discharged, they are encouraged to take their trees home, providing a lasting memory of holiday cheer.

Individuals and organizations eager to participate can drop off their miniature trees on Thursday, December 7th, or Friday, December 8th, between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., at a designated table near the main entrance of the CHE Emergency Room on Blackford Street.

To ensure fairness and widespread participation, donors are kindly requested to limit their contributions to two trees per organization. For those interested in making larger donations, a prior arrangement with Emilia Jones, the Program Coordinator, is necessary.

The guidelines for the donated trees are clear: they must be three feet tall or smaller, and artificial, ensuring safety and longevity.

Donors are encouraged to pick a theme suitable for either a child or teenager and can use store-bought or handmade ornaments to adorn the trees.

Creative touches such as wiring toys like dolls or cars onto the trees are welcomed, though food items are not allowed. To guarantee the safety of the young recipients, all ornaments must be securely tied or wired, with no loose items that could pose a choking hazard. Lights are encouraged, with battery-powered ones being the safest option.

For those seeking additional information or wishing to make arrangements for larger donations, Emilia Jones can be reached at 423-778-7892 or via email at emilia.jones@erlanger.org.

This heartwarming initiative exemplifies the spirit of community and compassion, showcasing the power of collective efforts in making the holiday season a little brighter for those in need.

SOURCE: Chattanoogan