White Sulphur Springs, W.Va. (WVVA) witnessed a remarkable event on Thursday, Dec. 5. It marked the 14th year that The Greenbrier has been actively involved in their Dream Tree for Kids initiative by donating toys to regional non-profits. This heartwarming program has a rich history, dating back to when the Justice family acquired The Greenbrier Resort. In total, an astonishing 30,000 gifts are set to be distributed among around 100 non-profits from West Virginia and the surrounding states. The impact of this initiative is truly significant, as it brings joy and hope to countless children during the Christmas season. As Cam Huffman, the director of public relations for The Greenbrier, explains, "Word of mouth spreads and people hear about it. There's a lot of need out there and a lot of children that need something to have a happy Christmas morning. They find out that this dream tree project does that and a lot of new people step up each year and we're happy to find help to make sure we're able to do it for as many as we can."Non-profits Receive Toys at The Greenbrier's Sports Performance Center
The non-profits were fortunate to receive their much-awaited toys at The Greenbrier's sports performance center. One organization, Union Mission Ministries, braved the icy conditions and made the long journey from Charleston to ensure that children in need would have a wonderful Christmas. As Richard Reed from Union Mission Ministries shared, "The roads were getting pretty bad. People were going into the ditches, tractor trailers jackknifed and everything. I took it a little bit slow but we got up here. We're just trying to get these gifts and give them to the right kids." This dedication and commitment from these non-profits highlight the importance of such initiatives.How the Program Grows Every Year
Huffman emphasizes that the program has been steadily growing year after year. This year, it was made possible thanks to the support of organizations like The First Responders Children's Foundation's Toy Express and Good360. These two organizations played a crucial role in gathering the gifts and making the distribution a reality. Additionally, Huffman highlights the significance of volunteers in making this initiative possible. Without their help, the Dream Tree for Kids initiative would not be able to reach as many children as it does.Specific Needs of Each Non-profit Met
The toys given out through this initiative are carefully curated to meet the specific needs of children of different ages. Each pallet of gifts is tailored specifically to each of the non-profits involved, ensuring that the gifts are relevant and useful. This attention to detail shows the thought and care that goes into making this program a success. It allows each non-profit to provide the most appropriate gifts to the children they serve, making a real difference in their lives.
