Here’s just a small sampling of the trees in this year’s Helping Hands Christmas Tree Program for young patients at Riley Hospital for Children. (Photos provided)
By RENEE BUTTS
Camel Fire Department Public Education Officer
The Carmel Fire Auxiliary proudly participated in the Helping Hands Christmas Tree Program, an initiative whose mission is to brighten the lives of children and their families who must spend the holidays in a pediatric hospital.
Through this meaningful program, inpatient children at Riley Hospital are invited to choose a fully decorated Christmas tree from a wide variety of themes and designs, allowing each child to select one that reflects their own personality and preferences.
These trees represent far more than holiday décor. For the children, they offer a sense of hope, joy, and excitement, providing a welcome distraction from illness, pain, and the challenges of being away from home during the holidays. A decorated tree in their hospital room helps transform the space into one filled with warmth and holiday spirit.
Auxiliary member Emma Waters introduced this program to the Carmel Fire Auxiliary last year, when members decorated five trees. The response was overwhelmingly positive, both from the children who received them and from Auxiliary members who found the experience deeply rewarding.
Inspired by that success, the Auxiliary expanded its efforts this year, decorating 14 Christmas trees to support even more children and families. Helping Hands provided 138 decorated trees, and next year are looking to expand to 250!
The overall goal is to have a tree for each inpatient room at Riley Children’s Hospital, and at 456 beds, that is a lofty goal.
Erik Pederson of J&J Flooring started this program in 2019, but with the pandemic it got put on hold. He restarted it in 2022, and through J&J flooring and people like Erik, it has grown into a national program into over 38 locations across the country.
The trees themselves are generously provided by J&J Flooring, while Auxiliary members contribute their time, creativity, and enthusiasm. From selecting festive themes to the joyful process of decorating, members embrace the opportunity to make each tree special. However, the most heartwarming moment comes when a child chooses their tree, knowing that the Auxiliary has helped bring a little extra happiness and holiday cheer into their hospital room during a difficult time.
You can learn more about the program at jjflooringgroup.com/helping-hands.
