Geneva trees offer chance to be giving

A Christmas tree whimsically adorned with pharmaceutical bottles.

Another tree decked out with food packages.

Yet another festooned with snowmen ornaments, all made by Glenwood School students, pictured on the ornaments.

These and other trees are showcased this holiday season at the Geneva History Center, 113 S. Third St., in downtown Geneva.

And they're more than decorations, by the way. These trees are "giving trees." They give, through all of us.

The Geneva History Center invited local nonprofit organizations to decorate a tree in keeping with the group's mission and areas of service.

Visitors to the center can ooh and aah over the trees. Then, if they wish, they can put their money where their hearts are. The museum store sells tickets for $1 each, which visitors then plunk into gift-box receptacles by their favorite trees.

There's no limit to the number of times any individual can vote. "Vote early and often," joked center Executive Director Dave Oberg.

The display ends Dec. 28. Museum hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and from noon to 4 p.m. Sundays. The museum will be closed Dec. 24 and 25.

The winning tree will be announced at 4 p.m. Dec. 30 at the Geneva History Center. The organization whose tree is named the favorite keeps 100 percent of the money pledged in support of that group's tree. The remaining organizations will split their winnings with the center.

"The idea came from Mary Bencini, who's on our board," Oberg said. "Our jaws just dropped, and we all thought, 'Why hadn't anyone though of this before?' It's a great way to call attention to some of our nonprofits."

In this pilot year, officials figured perhaps five or six organizations would sign up. "We gave those away in 72 hours," Oberg said. Center officials obtained more trees. "We gave those away in another 72 hours," and then generated a waiting list. "The Rotary Club is sharing its tree with other groups," he said.

In all 17 nonprofits are represented by 14 trees, he said. Trees fill not only the exhibit gallery but also the hallway.

Each tree is decorated via the theme of its mission. Thus, the St. Peter Community Food Pantry tree features the kinds of items a food pantry needs, including macaroni and cheese, tuna fish and cornbread mix. The Tri-City Health Partnership's tree is festooned with pill bottles and has proved very popular so far. The tree for the Geneva Green Market offers seed packets and produce, while the tree for the Geneva Academic Foundation shows off Geneva students involved in all kinds of academic pursuits.

"I wish I had more room," Oberg said. "I've still got a waiting list. It's absolutely heartwarming."

Hundreds of people saw the exhibit on its opening night, the night of Geneva's Christmas Walk. And they're not just looking, they are voting. Oberg estimated about $500 in tickets had been sold as of Dec. 9.

The 14 participating organizations participating are: Elderday Center, Fox River Chapter of the American Red Cross, Geneva Academic Foundation, Geneva Green Market, Golden Diners Service of the Salvation Army, Glenwood School for Boys and Girls, Literacy Volunteers Fox Valley, Mothers Club of Geneva, Mutual Ground, Marklund, Rotary Club of Geneva, St. Peter Community Food Pantry, Three Cups of Tea and Tri-City Health Partnership.

The organizations also get a chance to shine a spotlight not only on its tree but also its mission, telling visitors about its organization and how it helps others.

And isn't that perfect in this season of giving?