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DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson is getting the holiday season started with his 18th Annual Tree of Love. The Tree of Love is a holiday celebration to assist children living in DeKalb who because of their circumstances — foster care, single-parent homes, low income household, etc., may not have a merry Christmas.
Johnson began this initiative at the Gallery at South DeKalb Mall in 1999. Since its inception, the Tree of Love has served more than 9,000 children.
“This is what Christmas is all about—helping and giving to others. The holiday season is a great time for people to give back to the community and help someone in need,” said Johnson.
Children, through the Department of Family and Children Services, and from the community at-large have been recipients of the Christmas gifts given through the Tree of Love.
The kickoff for the event will be Saturday, Nov. 19, noon, at the Gallery at South DeKalb Mall, 2801 Candler Road, Decatur. The community, business owners, churches and all organizations are invited to come out and take a child’s name from the Tree of Love.
Gifts should be returned at the Gallery at South DeKalb on Saturday, Dec. 17, during the annual Tree of Love Christmas Program, where the talents of local singers, musicians and other groups will be showcased.
Any individuals or groups wanting to “adopt” a child and provide a gift as well as those who are interested in showcasing their talents at the Tree of Love Christmas program should contact Commissioner Larry Johnson’s office at 404-371-2425 or email taturner@dekalbcountyga.gov for more information.