By Rick Palsgrove
Southeast Editor
Groveport Director of Parks and Facilities Management Tom Byrne (left) and Groveport Public Relations/Communications CoordinatorJessica Reeves load table top Christmas trees into a truck to be delivered to some city residents as part of “Giving Tuesday” on Nov. 27. City employees delivered table top Christmas trees to more than 100 residents.
Groveport city employees were like Santa’s elves on Nov. 27 as they made Christmas a little brighter for some of the city’s house bound and elderly residents.
City staff decorated and delivered 106 table top Christmas trees to residents at Greenfield Place, Groveport Senior Village, and others in the community who could use some extra love this holiday season, according to Jessica Reeves, Groveport public relations and communications coordinator.
“The trees were decorated by city of Groveport staff members with traditional Christmas decorations donated by the staff,” said Reeves. “Each 24 inch tree was decorated with 10 miniature bulbs, jingle bells, garland, and a bow tree topper.”
Reeves said the deliveries were made on Nov. 27 as part of “Giving Tuesday.”
“Giving Tuesday, the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, is a movement to create an international day of giving to kick off Christmas and the holiday season,” said Reeves.
Reeves said City Administrator Marsha Hall came up with the “awesome idea” for city staff to decorate and deliver the table top Christmas trees.
Hall said she was looking for a way for city staff to give back to the community.
“The elderly and house bound are often forgotten during the holidays,” said Hall. “Providing table top Christmas trees to them gives the staff the opportunity to let the community know that we care.”
Added Mayor Lance Westcamp, “I feel it is great that the employees have pride in the community where they are employed. The day is about caring and paying it forward.”
Reeves said the staff was excited to give back to the community by making someone’s holiday a little brighter.
“One of the police officers, Josh Gilbert, contacted me to say he’d like to do some deliveries personally to represent our police department and the senior transportation department volunteered vehicles and drivers to chauffeur our delivery ‘elves’ around town!” said Reeves. “I feel very fortunate to work for a place that cares so much about the community. We have a staff of amazing people with big hearts.”
Reeves said the recipients of the trees, who are Groveport residents, were selected based on a list compiled through local churches and Groveport’s Senior Transportation Coordinator Lisa Zurbriggen.
