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 More than 1,000 volunteers are needed to assist with a variety of
tasks, including running the train, decorating gingerbread cookies,
assisting children with crafts and working in the kitchen, boutique
and admissions.
“The support of all our volunteers makes Memorial’s Festival of
Trees possible,” said Amanda Johnson, event manager for the Memorial
Medical Center Foundation. “With more than 35,000 people visiting
the Festival of Trees, our volunteers help make our annual event one
of the most popular family-oriented holiday traditions in central
Illinois.”
The festival’s hours are 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Nov. 19, Nov. 21-23 and Nov.
25-26; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 20 and Nov. 27; and 4-8 p.m. Nov. 24
(Thanksgiving Day).
Volunteers must be at least 14 years old and can register at
MemorialsFestivalofTrees.com, where they can view open time slots
and request a preferred area.
Volunteering at the festival has also become a tradition. Many
people volunteer in a group with their co-workers, family and
friends. Johnson said. Volunteers receive a Festival of Trees
commemorative pin, free admission on the day of their shift and
refreshments.
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Memorial’s Festival of Trees began in 1989 as an event to benefit the healthcare
programs offered by Memorial Medical Center. Since then, the festival has raised
more than $4.2 million for health-related projects and programs for Memorial
Health System and the Springfield community.
For more information about the Festival of Trees or to be a volunteer, contact
the Festival of Trees office at (217) 788-4301 or visit the festival’s website
at MemorialsFestivalofTrees.com.
[Michael Leathers, Memorial Health
Systems]
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