USU clubs decorate a tree

By Natalie Thatcher

This week, clubs and athletic organizations are decorating trees in the Taggart Student Center lounge as part of the yearly Festival of Trees tradition at Utah State University.

“It’s an event that happens every year here on campus,” said traditions director Sloan Bailey. “It gives clubs an opportunity to decorate a tree for families in need.”

Associated Students of Utah State University partners with the Bear River Health Department, a non-profit service organization that provides pre-schooling to under privileged students, Bailey said.

“Bear River gives the trees to students at their school,” Bailey said. “It is up to them to decide which family will get a tree.”

According to Bailey, there are 46 trees available to decorate.

“At the beginning of the month I sent out emails to clubs and organizations,” Bailey said. “The first 46 clubs to respond got a tree.”

Clubs include the Aggie Ski Club, the International Student Council, USU Honors Program, the HURD and all 12 athletic teams.

“It is a good team bonding experience,” said tennis player Mckenzie Davis. “We get to take a break from school and practice to do some service.”

Service center president Jeremy Neff agrees.

“For me Christmas time is about service,” Neff said. “This is just one of many opportunities to serve and get in the Christmas spirit.”

Bailey admits that although a Christmas tree isn’t an essential need, families appreciate the service.

“There are multiple families in Cache Valley that are in need of lots of things at Christmas time,” Bailey said. “And although a decorated Christmas tree might not be number one thing it really does help.”

The trees will be picked up by the Bear River Health Department Saturday morning and distributed to families of its choosing.