West Chicago asking for help with holiday tree

West Chicago is coming up a little short on decorations for its 25-foot holiday tree.

So, taking a cue from Chicago radio personality John Williams and his "People's Tree," the city is asking its residents to donate unbreakable ornaments.

"We realized we were low on decorations for the official holiday tree this year," said Rosemary Mackey, the city's marketing coordinator.

She was listening to WGN while driving to work earlier this week and heard about the all-donated People's Tree going up at Tribune Tower. She took the idea to the Frosty Fest committee the same day.

"We all agreed it would be a great way to involve the community and result in a very special tree," she said.

A "gift box" will be placed in the reception area at city hall, 475 Main St., for people who want to donate ornaments made of plastic, wood, paper and other unbreakable materials. Ornaments will be collected until the end of the day Nov. 30.

West Chicago's Community Tree will be lit at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at the Fox Community Center, 306 Main St., during the city's Frosty Fest celebration.

The donated ornaments will make it even more special to families attending the event, Mackey said.

"Imagine coming to the tree-lighting ceremony and pointing out the family ornament to the kids," she said.