Rooting for the Treez 4 Zeh: One Girl is Determined to Bring Them Back

In mid-December, Maggie Del Re, a fifth grader at the came home with a huge jar and a letter in her hand. She told her mom, Jodi Del Re, that she had an assignment: write a paragraph.

That same day, trees that had been destroyed by the October Nor'easter were being pulled from the Zeh property and removed.

"They were on her mind," said Jodi, "and she just started writing out this idea to raise money to save the trees." The next day, Maggie turned the assignment in to her teachers, and they, along with the principal and office staff, were so excited and impressed, they handed her a collection jar and told her to "go for it."

Maggie handed out the message to other students to give to their parents. "This has been a great loss to our school," it reads. "That is why I think it would be a great idea to have a fundraiser, to get back the trees! Trees are an important part of the community and the environment. They produce lots of fresh air we need. They provide food, and homes for animals such as birds ... Trees are expensive, and extremely hard to grow from seeds! That is why I am asking you to please donate some money (just a dollar helps), so that we can get at least some of our beloved trees back!"

Jodi said Maggie decorated the jar, and headed out door to door asking for donations from neighbors. The first day alone, she came home with $30, opening a bank account in her name the next day under the title Treez 4 Zeh.

Maggie She has written a letter to Northborough businesses asking for donations, and has asked her extended family for money. 

"She is hoping that all of the Zeh students will follow her lead and get involved," said Jodi. "Maggie also plans a fundraising event, but hasn’t decided exactly what to do yet."

Her goal is to raise $2,000 to cover costs and seeks volunteer help to plant the trees this spring. To date, Maggie has raised $1,300. Updates can be found on the Treez 4 Zeh Facebook page. 

Donations can be mailed to:

Treez 4 Zeh

c/o Liquid Ice

100 Otis St., Suite 2

Northborough, MA  01532

Collection jars are located at Zeh school office and West Side Convenience Store, 505 Northboro Road West, Marlborough.

"I am proud of Maggie not just for thinking of the idea," said Jodi, "but for following through with it. I am especially pleased that the Zeh Staff encouraged Maggie. It makes me so happy to know that the teaching and professional staff at her elementary school are teaching her exactly one of the key points in life that I want her to learn: one person can make a difference."