The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center is welcoming the holiday season with the return of its annual Festival of Trees, a long-standing tradition that brings together the Center’s partner institutions in the spirit of community and giving.
Since its inception in 2016, the Festival of Trees has been a cherished event at the Center. Each year, participating partner institutions decorate a Christmas tree to represent their organization, and members of the community are invited to contribute donations beneath their favorite trees in support of a designated charitable initiative.
This year, the Center is honored to partner with Commonwealth Senior Living in Abingdon to help bring holiday cheer to its residents. Commonwealth is home to more than 70 seniors who have spent their lives serving others and strengthening their communities. Many now find themselves without close family nearby, and the Center is pleased to support an effort that will make their holiday season a little brighter.
Throughout the Festival, the Center will collect small gifts for the residents—items such as cozy blankets, warm socks, puzzle books, lotions, and other thoughtful treats. Wrapping is welcome but not required; however, if items are wrapped, donors are asked to label each gift as appropriate for a male, a female, or any resident.
Decorated trees will be on display in the Grand Hall beginning Friday, November 21, and will remain available for the community to enjoy through Thursday, December 11. Donations will be gathered and delivered to Commonwealth Senior Living the following day.
Participating institutions for this year’s Festival of Trees include:
- Virginia Tech
- UVA Wise
- Emory & Henry College
- Radford University
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- Appalachian College of Pharmacy
- King University
- A. Linwood Holton Governor’s School
- SWVA HEALS
- Mount Rogers Regional Adult Education Program
- Virginia Cooperative Extension
- Wolf Hills Toastmasters
The Center extends its sincere appreciation to all partners and community members who make this annual tradition possible. Together, we continue to demonstrate that the Center is truly “A Great Place, Doing Great Things, Because of Great People!”
