New Hope for Families had their fourth annual Christmas tree auction held at Switchyard Park Pavilion. Local businesses and organizations such as TASUS, the IronPit, St. Thomas Lutheran Church, and Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority decorated trees to be auctioned off.  

The event featured both fully and miniature decorated trees, some including themes like Taylor Swift or Harry Potter. Some trees also included personalized gift baskets, while others included gift cards as ornaments. Bloomington locals could buy the trees at the event on a “Buy it now” price or could come and just admire the trees. At the end of the three-night event, all trees not bought were auctioned off. Trees ranged in price anywhere from 500 to 1500 dollars. 

All proceeds went to the non-profit, New Hope for Families. The organization works to keep families who are unhoused together and put them in homes. 

The holiday season is especially important for New Hope for Families because this is when unhoused families are most in need, according to Sherry Dunbar-Kruzan, a fourth year member director for the non-for-profit and also former IU Women’s Volleyball Coach.  

“We will never let kids sleep on the street, in cars, anything like that,” Sherry Dunbar-Kruzan said during the Hope for the Holidays tree auction event. Dunbar-Kruzan said she got involved because she has coached for 15 years and loves working with young children. Helping with New Hope for Families was the perfect match after her coaching career. 

This year’s auction was the largest event yet, according to Dunbar-Kruzan. The event used to be held in a small rental place in downtown Bloomington and housed around 15 trees. After four years of the event, Hope for the Holidays now has around 60 trees that are donated and has moved to a larger venue. The event was especially successful this season, selling all 61 trees.  

“There’s a ton of nonprofits in Bloomington. We just tried to think of something different to do and I think we kind of hit the nail on the head with this one,” Dunbar-Kruzan said.  

One of the trees being auctioned off was called “Childhood Remembered.” Donated by the St, Thomas Lutheran Church, the tree was dedicated to all children who have passed through New Hope for Families. The tree featured a toy train that ran under the tree skirt, resembling childhood Christmases Past.  

Volunteers helped run the event, one being John Weikert which was his first season volunteering. Weikert was in charge of greeting guests at the door.  

“People are very friendly, and they are excited to look at the trees so it’s just a lot of fun,” Weikert said.  

New Hope for Families is always looking for new volunteers. Whether that be helping serve cookies and hot chocolate at the next Hope for the Holidays event or helping the preschool at the New Hope for Families shelter, there is a place for volunteers. People who would like to volunteer should contact New Hope for Families through their website for more information.