Girl Scouts of Suffolk County donate decorated Christmas trees to local charities

More than 50 local nonprofits and service organizations came to the Girl Scouts of Suffolk County headquarters in Commack to browse and pick up custom-decorated artificial Christmas trees as part of the organization’s annual county-wide service project for the holidays.

The trees, decorated in a variety of themes, are meant to bring joy to Long Islanders who utilize critical nonprofit services.

“Every holiday we really try to create something special,” said Kurt Hall from Hope House Ministries in Port Jefferson, which provides housing, counseling, education, and advocacy for people in need. “It’s a difficult time for them to go through, not being around family or loved ones.” 

The annual “Hall of Trees” event sees Girl Scouts design and decorate a tree in a theme that matches the organization, including a hat and glove tree for a homeless shelter, a baby item tree for the Stony Brook NICU, and even a dog and cat treat tree for the Smithtown Animal Shelter.

“We have some dogs that have been at the shelter for five years,” said Monica Passarelle, animal control officer for the Smithtown Animal Shelter, who was picking up a tree to put in the meet and greet room where animals get adopted. “We want to make it homey for them; we want to make the holidays nice.”

Other organizations picking up trees included Long Island Lending a Helping Hand, Family Service League, Shepard’s Gate, Little Flower and Phoenix House.