Utah State gives trees to needy families

The Associated Students of Utah State University carry on the tradition of the annual Festival of Trees.

“It’s been a week designated to help student organization have the opportunity to provide service and get involved,” said Sloan Bailey, ASUSU traditions director and coordinator of the event. “Clubs and organizations decorated trees to donate to a family in need.”

Bailey said the event is beneficial for the participants.

“It’s a really easy way for clubs and organizations to get their members involved and give a little service,” Bailey said. “It also gives a good name to the university for helping out the people in Cache Valley.”

Zoe Fairbairn has worked to make sure the week went well.

“I’ve basically been Sloan’s right hand man this week,” Fairbairn said. “I’m just helping her with everything and making sure it goes smoothly.”

Incentives are provided for students who vote for their favorite tree.

“There are free cookies but you have to vote to get a cookie,” Fairbairn said. “It’s for a good cause, it’s fun to get involved with, and it’s fun to see how all the clubs decorated their trees.”

The festival is a week-long event.

“There is something every day,” Fairbairn said. “At the end of the week we are having an ugly sweater dance to celebrate the end of dead week and the end of Festival of Trees.”

The event is a good way to begin the holiday break for students, according to Bailey.

“I think it’s really important to the university because it helps students get in the holiday mood,” Bailey said. 

“It helps everyone to really remember the true meaning of why we celebrate the holidays, and puts them in that mindset.”