West Hartford’s first Festival of Trees will be held this year.

Submitted by Virginia Vocelli, First Church of Christ Congregational

Kim Carbone, Festival of Trees organizer. Submitted photo

The First Church of Christ Congregational Church will host the first Festival of Trees as part of West Hartford’s annual Holiday Stroll on Dec. 4, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m., 12 South Main Street, West Hartford.

Businesses, organizations, individuals and families are asked to donate decorated artificial trees (any size) to be displayed at the Festival of Trees in the church’s Auditorium before being raffled off for the benefit of community organizations. The theme of the tree can reflect personal or business interests; the only costs will be the tree and its lights and decorations. For tax purposes, donors will receive a donation receipt indicating that First Church is a registered 501(c)3.

Prominent signs and a program will identify all tree donors. Raffle tickets will be sold in 10 and 20 denominations; a $5.00 suggested donation will be collected at the door. Raffle tickets will be sold at the door the night of the Festival.  $10.00 for 10; $20 for 25 tickets.

All  proceeds will be donated through First Church’s outreach program to Gifts of Love, Interval House, Loaves and Fishes, Foodshare, Habitat for Humanity, Covenant to Care for Children, Freshplace, My Sister’s Place and South Park Inn.

Participants may complete the registration form at www.whfirstchurch.org/trees/.  Mail printed forms to First Church of Christ Congregational, 12 South Main Street, West Hartford, CT 06107, Attn: Kim Carbone. Registration for a tree must be submitted by November 24. Trees should be delivered to First Church on November 30. Winning bidders will be notified December 7 to pick up their trees by December 10.

For more information, contact Kim Carbone, [email protected] or 860-561-3620 or the Church Office at 860-233-9605.