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For the Ecker Center for Mental Health, a 53-year-old nonprofit based in Elgin, nearly 1,000 more people have passed through the doors so far this year compared to 2007. Compared to 2002, the agency has seen a 100 percent increase in mental health clients.

"Our client base is definitely increasing," said Mary Ann Stephens, public relations officer for the agency. "The economic situation is making a difference in the lives of everyone."

Agency supporters are preparing to help people deal with stress and a variety of other mental health issues by staging their eighth annual Festival of Trees Oct. 27 - Nov. 7.

The event, which drew more than 200 people and raised $70,000 last year, is the only event of its kind in the Fox Valley in which the public can buy an estimated 25 decorated artificial trees prepared by dozens of businesses and nonprofits. A new feature this year is the chance to buy four decorated artificial wreaths.

A selection of four- and seven-foot trees are on display for an entire week at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave in downtown Elgin. The public can buy any one of the trees for the posted price. Unsold trees will be sold in a live auction to the highest bidder at a gala and holiday market on Nov. 8 at the Chicago Marriott Northwest in Hoffman Estates.

Laurie Bitter, a community organizer from Elgin who estimates she has personally decorated 30 trees as a volunteer for the event since it started, said the festival has featured some interesting trees. Among the highlights: a three-foot "police-themed" tree featuring billy clubs, flashing red lights, doughnuts and coffee cups.

"We stopped the bidding on that one so an employee at St. Andrews Country Club - the former location of the event - could win it," said Bitter. "She had several relatives who were in law enforcement and wanted the tree."

At that location several years ago, Bitter can also remember someone who staged his engagement proposal in front of the beautifully-lit trees.

And then there were the technical glitches when the Ecker Center displayed its trees in the lobby of the Elgin Police station. Once the organizers plugged in all of the lights to the 30-plus trees, the increased demand on electricity blew several fuses.

"We had to string extension cords from other floors," recalled Bitter.

Bitter laughs when she remembers the man in the hooded sweatshirt who appeared to be using a cell phone in the police station while gazing at the trees. Bitter thought he was calling someone to say how beautiful they looked.

"I noticed afterward the man did not have a cell phone and apparently was talking to the trees," she said. "I guess the trees take on a personality of their own - literally."

For information on Festival of Trees, contact Stephens at (847) 695-0484, ext. 303 or visit www.festoftreeselgin.org.