Wheaton Library tree voted favorite at Cantigny Park

A Christmas tree decorated by Friends of Wheaton Public Library was voted the favorite among visitors to the Community Trees display at the Robert R. McCormick Museum at Cantigny Park over the holidays.

By winning the popular vote, the organization earns an additional $2,500 grant from the Robert R. McCormick Foundation for a total of $5,000. The six other participating local charities each receive $2,500.

Friends of Wheaton Public Library, established in 2003, promotes public use and community support for the library. In doing so, it fosters appreciation of its value as a cultural and educational asset to the community, and focuses public attention on the resources, services, facilities and needs of the library.

"Community Trees" is an annual holiday attraction to celebrate Cantigny's connections with the community and honor McCormick's philanthropic legacy. Seven local charities were invited to participate because their missions involve issues or causes that were meaningful to Cantigny's benefactor.

Museum visitors were encouraged to vote for their favorite tree and, if they wished, donate to one or more of the agencies. Cash contributions by visitors totaled $779, all of which goes to the participating charities. Nearly 2,000 votes were cast.

"The trees are a fun and festive tradition, but it's really all about the work these organizations are doing in our communities," said Diane Gutenkauf, director of the McCormick Museum. "Through the McCormick Foundation, we are pleased to support their important missions."

This was the sixth year for the Community Trees program. Participating organizations, in addition to Friends of Wheaton Public Library, were:

• DuPage County Historical Museum Association, Wheaton. The organization raises money to support its mission of educating the public through the collection, preservation, interpretation and exhibition of materials that document the history of DuPage County and its relationship to Illinois and the nation. The association was organized in 2004.

• Illinois Prairie Path Corporation, Wheaton. The nonprofit group improves and preserves the Illinois Prairie Path, a 61-mile nature trail for nonmotorized public use located in Cook, DuPage and Kane Counties. Founded in 1963, the IPP was North America's first successful rails-to-trails conversion.

• The GardenWorks Project, St. Charles. The organization reduces food insecurity in Chicago's Western suburbs by providing families in need of food assistance with home vegetable gardens and educational resources. Founded in 2011, the organization's motto is "Everyone deserves fresh produce."

• Operation Care Package, Joliet. The group strives to make sure men and women serving in the U.S. military are not forgotten. Formed in 2003, OCP ships care packages and mails letters of encouragement to our deployed troops.

• DuPage Convalescent Center Foundation, Wheaton. The foundation raises funds to improve the quality of life for DuPage County residents needing long-term skilled nursing and rehabilitative care. Established in 1993, DCCF serves residents of the 360-bed convalescent center by making their environment as enjoyable and homelike as possible.

• Ray Graham Association, Lisle. The association empowers children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities through a wide range of services and programs designed around the needs, desires and goals of each individual. It was founded in 1950.

The McCormick Museum is closed in January and will reopen on weekends in February for free guided tours. Hours in February are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays, and noon to 4 p.m. weekends. The museum returns to its regular Tuesday through Sunday tour schedule in March.

Information about Cantigny, including park hours, directions and details about upcoming events, is online at cantigny.org.