For many, seeing the 75-foot-tall Salvation Army tree go up at American National Bank on 90th and Dodge signals the start of the holiday season.
“Oh, I saw the tree up and it’s just one step closer to, I can’t believe it’s almost Christmas,” said Travis Freeman, owner of Brite Ideas Decorating.
The Salvation Army Tree of Lights campaign is a reminder to donate time, money, and goods to help families in need during the winter months.
“When they drive by 90th & Dodge, they begin to light up because it just symbolizes that it’s that time of year to start thinking about giving,” said Jeff Beckman, Executive Director of the Western Division of the Salvation Army.
Ironworkers Local 21 donates their time every year to assemble and raise the iconic tree.
“Salvation Army is a good cause. It’s something, Ironworkers, that we’ve done for years, and something our friends enjoy doing, so we give back a little bit,” said Bob Grothe, Business Manager of Local 21.
Jason Willey, Local 21’s president, even gave up plans to go to Wrigley Field for the World Series today.
“I wouldn’t miss this for the world. It’s a very good cause,” said Willey.
Of course, a tree wouldn’t be complete without the lights. Brite Ideas donated 80,000 LED lights for over 650 snowflakes and a 6-foot tall star designed specially for this year’s tree.
“This year is a brand new look to the tree that we’ve done, so we’re really excited to see what it will look like,” said Freeman.
Star 104.5’s Terri McCormick assisted Freeman with mounting the star that will beam bright for shoppers and commuters over the holidays.
“With the tree here at 90th & Dodge, and 125,000 cars going by here every day, we think this is a beacon that everybody in Omaha can be proud of,” said Jim Burns, Senior VP with American National Bank.
Star 104.5 will also run their yearly Adopt A Family radiothon with the salvation army this December 1st and 2nd.
You can learn about ways to donate to the Salvation Army by visiting www.salarmyomaha.org.
