Lake Barrington business helps brighten season for needy families

More than 120 Christmas trees have been donated to the Chicago-area Salvation Army in a first-of-its-kind program led by TreeTime Christmas Creations of Lake Barrington.Chicago and suburban residents jump-started their holiday giving in October by donating gently used artificial Christmas trees. TreeTime owners Joe and Laurie Kane of Lake Zurich gave the large assortment of trees to Envoy Dennis Earnhart of The Salvation Army, which were then transported to their thrift stores for distribution to area families in need.The Salvation Army has more than 5,000 Chicago-area families who regularly visit their local retail stores for household items to make ends meet, and many have to go without decorations for the holiday. Residents who donated trees received 15 percent off a new tree purchase at TreeTime Christmas Creations.#147;It has been a great and spirited kickoff to the holiday season,#148; says Laurie Kane of TreeTime. #147;It was amazing to see the outpouring of generosity from Chicago-area residents and we hope this donation of artificial trees will help support The Salvation Army in all of the great work that they do, while highlighting the sharing and reuse of Christmas trees.#148;TreeTime Christmas Creations, 22N102 Pepper Road, Lake Barrington, features more than 200 varieties of Christmas trees, as well as wreaths, garland, storage containers, accessories and other holiday décor. For information, call (847) 527-8880 or visit www.treetime.com.