More than 150 decorated Christmas trees will go on display in Akron when Akron Children’s opens its 45th annual Holiday Tree Festival this weekend. The free event begins Saturday at 10 a.m. and continues through Sunday, November 22, raising money to help children and families while giving volunteers a way to honor children in their lives.
Among those participating is Laura Flood, who had not seriously thought about decorating a festival tree until a friend suggested it. She decided to join the effort and worked with her 10-year-old son, Liam, whose enthusiasm for Christmas made the project something they could share. For Flood, volunteering also offers an opportunity to tell part of his story.
Liam was diagnosed with autism when he was young, and Flood said Akron Children’s helped her family when they needed support. She described the hospital as a resource for parents and children facing many different circumstances, with needs that may not be apparent to others. Her involvement in the festival reflects her gratitude for that help and the joy her son brings to her life.
Flood’s space-themed tree carries a message of encouragement. She hopes it will inspire others to pursue their dreams despite the obstacles in front of them. “You don’t have to be limited by what’s in front of you. Just keep trying,” she said. The display connects that message with her wish to give back to Akron Children’s.
Fellow volunteer Andrea Kish has decorated a ribboned Christmas tree in honor of her niece, who was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis as a baby. Kish said the family dedicates a tree to her each year because of their appreciation for Children’s Hospital. Her niece is doing better, Kish said, but she remains mindful of other children who are still struggling.
Alongside the trees, the festival will feature more than 80 wreaths and nearly 200 holiday gifts. Kish and festival chair Susan Berk hope the money raised will continue supporting families in need. Berk said hundreds of volunteers help assemble the event, united by their desire for healthy children in the community.
Berk also hopes the festival can offer families a safe place to heal. She said families whose children have faced difficult experiences are often eager to give back. For those participants, contributing to the displays provides a way to honor their children while helping other families.
