11-24-10 —    Local children in both school systems have a chance to enjoy the festivities of the holiday season and to also experience the joy of giving to those who are less fortunate through a new project. The Community Christmas Trail of Trees Project is new this year, but it has been received well by community leaders and the local school systems.

    It's a joint effort of Wayne County Community Education and the Wayne County Judge-Executive's Office. Through the program, the judge's office provided a Christmas tree for every grade from preschool through twelfth in the Wayne County and the Monticello School systems. Trees were delivered earlier this month, according to Wayne County Judge-Executive Greg Rankin, who is excited that the county can be involved in this project. His office basically sponsored the project by purchasing the trees.

    "It's a good project and this goes to a good cause," noted Rankin, as he talked about the project. "We provide the trees and the students decorate them."

    And the finished trees actually generate funds that will be donated to United Christmas Giving in Wayne County, which provides gifts for needy families in the county. Trees will be auctioned off by silent bid to individuals, churches and organizations, and that money will be used to help meet the holiday needs for a growing number of children.

    "We hope this helps make the kids more aware that they can do something to help others," said Rankin.

    Kim Gooch, with Wayne County Communi-ty Education, said there are  

plans for a community event, where all 30 trees will be displayed.   

This will give everyone an opportunity to see the beautiful trees and vote for their favorite. Silent bids will also be accepted at this time.

    More details regarding the date, time and location of the community event will be announced later. Anyone who would like more information can contact Gooch at (606) 348-6211 or Donna Garner-Hall at (606) 348-5312.