Underwater Christmas Tree Lighting in East Cobb Generated Thousands of Canned Food Donations

Photos Credit: Atlanta Swim Academy

Staff Report

On Dec. 6th, Atlanta Swim Academy (ASA) brought back an old company tradition! A 7 ½’ live pine tree was submerged in their Jr. Olympic pool, where families with kids of all ages joined to decorate the tree with glow sticks. Participants brought canned goods to receive a glow stick, generating over 500 canned food donations benefiting Marietta’s MUST Ministries. ASA double matched the can contributions, bringing a total of 1,500 canned food items to families in need for the holidays.

Santa Claus and his Polar Bear friend mingled with guests poolside while overseeing the “water elf” instructors assisting the kids decorating the tree. Everyone also enjoyed open swim and holiday refreshments leading up to 6:45 p.m. when all the lights were shut off to observe the tree light up in the water, decorated with 300 glow sticks. Facebook comments from event attendees included “Definitely Unique!”, “We had a blast! Thanks for having this!” and “Great event! The kids loved it! Thank you!”