“Festival of Trees” fundraiser helps those in need

CROCKETT COUNTY, Tenn. — It’s the time of year to give, and one local organization is doing that and more.

Neighbors Offering Assistance and Hope also known as N.O.A.H.  is dedicated to helping families in Crockett Co. who are faced with a catastrophic illness or event.

The group kicked off it’s fourth annual “Festival of Trees” fundraiser this weekend in Alamo.

Organizers say  fundraisers like these make it possible for them to give back to the community.

“I had a lady in here a while ago saying that she would not miss attending today,” Mary Marvin, chairwoman for the non-profit group said. ” She talked about how much N.O.A.H. had helped her, and she just cried.”

28 different-themed trees decorated by businesses and individuals lit up the building beside Alamo Food Rite.

Those who came to the event had a chance to vote on their favorite tree by donating to the group, snack on baked goods and sip hot cider.

All money raised at the fundraiser will be used to help those in Crockett Co. suffering from cancer and other catastrophic events and illnesses.

“We’re not a long term fix, but we help them get through some of their problems, and let them know people care about them,” Marvin said.

N.O.A.H. has different representatives all over Crockett Co. that find people and families in need of some extra help.

They help in all sorts of ways, such as helping a family pay their electrical bills.

So far, they have assisted 575 families in the county and paid more than $450,000 in assistance.

N.O.A.H. Volunteers say they want those numbers to continue to grow.

“We do want to invite everybody to come out and participate because this is money that is being put right back in Crockett Co, 100 percent,” Ken Davis, who serves on the board of the group said.

The trees will also be displayed Dec. 10  from 10-5 and Dec. 11 from 1-4.

Admission to the event is $5.