Festival of Trees drive raises over $8,000

Sparta - The Junior Woman’s Club of Sparta held its eighth annual Festival of Trees last month at the Lake Mohawk Golf Club. Over $8,000 was raised at the two-day event, held Nov. 18 and Nov. 19, which will be donated to two worthy causes. Cherished Creations, a non-profit organization whose mission is to create better lives for seriously ill children and the underprivileged, will receive over $4,000. Special requests are granted to create a better life for seriously ill children who might otherwise not be able to live at home. A portion of the $4,000 will go specifically towards one child who needs a special chair to assist in showering. The Sussex County Chapter of the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund will also receive over $4,000. The charity was chosen to help meet the needs of Hurricane Katrina victims. This year’s Festival of Trees included a clothing and cell phone drive that was extremely successful. Cherished Creations will use the clothing to raise additional funds towards granting more children special requests. Additionally, Eco Phones donated $3 for each cell phone donated, and the proceeds will be given to Cherished Creations. The Junior Woman’s Club of Sparta expressed special thanks to the decorators and sponsors of this year’s trees and wreaths, as well as J. Thomas Jewelers, the Lake Mohawk Golf Club, and Buckles and Bows for their support and contributions.