Carroll County Festival of Trees at TownMall

dedicated volunteers work thoughout the year to gather decorations, gifts and trees, then they transform Belk Court into a Christmas wonderland in late November.

This year, Shepherd's Staff is auctioning off 44 trees. Each tree has its own unique theme, is hand decorated, and is sponsored by residents and businesses throughout the county.

Some of this year's more than 60 sponsors include Kiwanis Club of Greater Westminster, Lehigh Cement Company, Kirby Insurance, Ronnie & Larry Bohn and New Windsor State Bank.

The trees, with themes that include "Maryland, My Maryland", "Miracle on 34th Street", "Peace on Earth", "Baltimore Ravens", "Birds of the Forest" and "Motorcycle Chase" can be bid on until Dec. 10. The highest bidder will be called after 4 p.m. on Dec. 10 and all trees must be picked up Sunday, Dec. 11.

The Festival of Trees benefits Shepherd's Staff, a Christian outreach and support center that has been helping citizens in need since 1989.The goal in creating Shepherd's Staff was to consolidate the efforts of area churches to avoid duplications of services. The organization does not receive federal, state or county funding.

Shepherd's Staff reports that in 2010, it supported:

• 1,456 households with emergency financial assistance, 
• 1,102 students in the Back-to-School program
• 1,813 individuals through the Call for Coats program
• over 4,000 individuals at The Shepherd's Table Soup Kitchen
• 543 individuals with bath/laundry facilities

Shepherd's Staff provides many other services and programs from its facility at 30 Carroll Street in Westminster.

Even if you don't bid on a tree, it's worth a trip to see them, and maybe even get some ideas for your own tree. The Festival of Trees will be on display through Dec. 10.