Festival of Trees provides needed funds for CAM during holiday season

A local food pantry holds an annual holiday fundraiser that gains attention from both area residents and visitors.

Christian Action Ministries is the driving force behind Festival of Trees, a truly unique fundraising event that has become one the largest sources of income for the nonprofit in its nine years,

Festival of Trees, located at the Branson Landing, is an expansive collection of beautifully decorated Christmas trees, each with its own theme, as well as hand-crafted Christmas decor, wreaths and assorted Christmas items. The trees are decorated and sponsored by local businesses, organizations or individuals, with proceeds benefitting Christian Action Ministries. Wreaths, Christmas decor and other holiday items are also for sale throughout the shop.

Always a popular store at the Branson Landing, the Festival of Trees is manned by Christian Action Ministries volunteers. This year's event added a new twist—local businesses and organizations were invited to choose a day to "Sponsor the Store." In doing that, businesses or organizations provide volunteers on their selected date to help out at the Festival of Trees shop. The sponsorship has been win-win—it provides much-needed volunteer help for Festival of Trees, as well as a wonderful opportunity for businesses and organizations to advertise their service to an even broader audience.

Festival of Trees began nine years ago as a way to bring in more funds for Christian Action Ministries, the area's largest food pantry, serving both Taney and Stone counties. Christian Action Ministries began in 1984 when several area churches met to discuss the issue of food insecurity in the area. The goal of the organization was simply to help neighbors in need. Today, CAM, with a headquarters in Branson and a second food pantry location in Forsyth, operates mobile distribution sites throughout the area to provide necessary food and supplies to as many as possible. Last year, Christian Action Ministries assisted more than 40,000 people in Taney County alone, and distributed more than two million pounds of food.

Festival of Trees, which began nine years ago as a way to help even more people throughout the holidays, is only open for a limited time during the holiday season.

Located in Suite 505 at the Brason Landing, Festival of Trees runs through December 7. The shop is open Sunday through Thursday,12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to visit Festival of Trees. Support Christian Action Ministries and pick up some amazing holiday decor at the same time.