Kicking off the Christmas Season in Joyous Fashion
OMAHA, Neb.—On Nov. 5, a crowd of hundreds outside Associated Bank at 90th and Dodge streets witnessed the 75-foot LED Christmas tree light up at the annual Tree of Lights Family Festival.
Besides its radiant shine, which you can see from more than a mile away in some directions, the tree lighting symbolizes the start of The Salvation Army’s largest fundraising effort of the year: The Tree of Lights Campaign.
"This is the beginning of our season for Christmas fundraising,” said Omaha area commander Major Dan Hull. "Tonight, we had our tree-lighting ceremony."
The event included several family-friendly activities: Clowns made balloon animals and did face painting for kids; children got see Santa Claus; and families got to stay warm with hot cocoa and roasting marshmallows while hearing live musical performances from The Salvation Army Brass Band, the Sing Omaha Youth Choir, and Omaha-based national performer Billy McGuigan. Chick-fil-A and Monster Dogs were also on site providing free food.
For some in attendance, it was their first time being part of the Tree of Lights Family Festival.
"I've been here for 35 years and I've never experienced this,” said Michaela Johnson. “We miss it every year, and so we had to make sure that we got to see it this time."
She was there with her sister, along with her niece and two nephews.
"I think it represents unity, it represents community and family,” she said. “You have this one big object, and you have all these lights, and they all come together and they paint a pretty picture."
Michaela’s nephew Javonte echoed that.
"My favorite thing is everyone here coming together to have fun, to sing, and to have some more fun and more singing," he said.
“We want to thank Associated Bank for being such wonderful hosts,” said Major Scott Shelbourn, divisional commander of The Salvation Army Western Division.
KETV meteorologist Sean Everson was the event’s emcee.
Even with all the festivities, the importance of The Salvation Army’s mission was not lost.
"This fundraising season is very important to us,” Major Dan said. “It sets the tone for our housing programs, our Christmas giveaway, as well as our food pantry, our summer camps, and our year-round services."
Michaela’s sister, Brianna, spoke from personal experience on The Salvation Army’s impact.
"If you have it in you to donate to The Salvation Army, I think it's a beautiful thing to do,” she said. “It’s helped people like me and my children plenty of times when we haven't had food to feed ourselves. So I think it's a beautiful thing that helps our community."