Tree Lighting Signals Start of Holiday Season

Community traditions and the spirit of giving are a significant part of Plainfield's holiday observations. One tradition that helps kick off the season is the lighting of the Sharing Tree, an historic Norway Spruce in front of Central Elementary. Frank Davis is again the coordinator of the event, which will be held on Sunday, December 7 at 5 p.m. Civic group Plainfield Plus sponsors the tree lighting, in cooperation with the Town, Plainfield schools, and the Chamber of Commerce. Weather permitting, the fourth annual The “Sharing Tree” in front of Central Elementary awaits its December 7 lighting. ceremony will also include a brief program of carol singing.

Plainfield Plus member Lynn Hopper says the event is an important celebration and symbolizes the Town's commitment to sharing their blessings with those less fortunate. “This year the need is greater than ever,” Hopper said, adding that residents can play a part through donations of cash and non-perishable food items at the event. These donations help support the Plainfield Police Emergency Fund for community families in crisis. Cash contributions can also be mailed to “Sharing Tree”, care of Plainfield Plus at P.O. Box 54, Plainfield, IN 46168. Monetary donations may be tax deductible as allowable by law.
Central Elementary is located at 110 Wabash Street in Plainfield facing U.S. 40. For more information, contact Hopper at 539-6248.

Christmas Charity Project to Help Feed the Hungry

The Food Pantry at St. Marks Episcopal Church fills a continuing need in the fight against hunger. Although the Pantry is open all year long, the holidays can be a time when needs increase while food donations often fall short. According to Town employee Ingred Frieders, “many families right here in Plainfield go without food and depend on the help of a food pantry such as the one at St. Marks. That's why special food donation boxes will be available through the first two weeks in December.” Those boxes will be located at the Plainfield Municipal Building, the Plainfield Recreation Center and the Plainfield-Guilford Township Public Library. For a list of recommended food donation items, visit St. Marks' Web site at www.stmarksweb.org. For additional information, contact Frieders at 839-2561, extension 240.

Holiday Lighting and Decoration Contest Set to Brighten the Season

The annual home holiday lighting and decoration contest sponsored by Plainfield Plus is again under way. Nominations for the “best and brightest” or the “most unusual and cheery” displays are due by December 16, with judging --- by judges from outside the Plainfield area --- to take place December 18. Each winning homeowner will receive a yard sign commemorating his or her festive holiday spirit.

Any homeowner interested in part-icipating should mail his or her name, address and phone number to Plainfield Plus at P.O. Box 54, Plainfield, IN 46168, or call Lynn Hopper at 539-6248. Others can nominate a particular home and homeowner for recognition, but the application must include all requested information, and the homeowner must agree to participate. All entries must be received by December 16.