Cone Weed Gives Back Event Set For Sunday

HUNTERSVILLE, NC -- The little weed growing through a traffic cone keeps on giving in Huntersville. On Sunday, the spirit of charitable giving ignited by the impromptu holiday decoration continues with a “Cone Weed Gives Back” event at the Huntersville Fire Department.

Cone Weed, perhaps the unlikeliest of Christmas symbols, erupted onto the social media scene in mid-November, when the nearly year-old weed growing across the road from the Huntersville Fire Station received it first decoration. It first attracted tinsel, then lights, wrapped presents and even a festive holiday yard sign. A social media hashtag campaign started.

Then came the steady stream of cars taking photos of it, kids stopping by the firehouse to drop off ornaments, plates of cookies and signs. A country singer from Charlotte, NC, wrote a song about it. A graphic designer created a T-shirt design with all proceeds benefiting local families in need through HopeMatch.org.

In perhaps what could go down as the smallest — and oddest — community holiday tree in the town's history, the weed growing through an orange traffic cone has steadily gained a following and, in the process, illuminated the heart of the community.

So far, fundraising has raised over $20,000 that will be used to help more than 100 local families this holiday season, according to the Huntersville Fire Department.

The Dec. 10 event is scheduled from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Huntersville Fire Station 2 on Beatties Ford Road. Live music will be provided by David Britt, a Charlotte-area musician who wrote a song in honor of Cone Weed.

“This is where we will put into action everything we've done thus far, and in unique ways,” the Huntersville Fire Department said on its Facebook page. “It will be a fantastic event to bring the family to. You will have the opportunity to donate various items that we are collecting for those in need. You will also have the opportunity to assemble new bicycles that we will be donating, assemble hygiene kits, make kindness rocks and pack food bags for delivery!”

Requested donations include:

• Coats for men, women and children
• Socks
• Winter hats
• Toys (new or gently used)
• Cleaning supplies
• Toiletry items
• Twin Sheet Sets
• Blankets

Photo courtesy of the Huntersville Fire Department