Christmas tree project returns in West Deer with 4 trees to benefit local organizations

A West Deer preschool teacher is continuing her tradition of bringing a Hallmark-like holiday setting to town with her Christmas tree program.

Caylin Zaremski leads the “Our Trees of Light” project that aims to give back to the community by setting up township Christmas trees. The idea was birthed from her love for Hallmark Channel’s Christmas movies showing hometown trees.

“I wanted to bring that here. I wanted them to mean more than just putting up a tree,” Zaremski, 23, said.

This will be the second year she will be displaying trees around town. Last year, Zaremski displayed trees in front of Our Lady of the Lakes Parish’s Saint Victor and Transfiguration sites. The trees were decorated with ornaments showing the names of those who passed away from covid. Proceeds from people who purchased the ornaments were divided between the parish and Hope Squad, a peer-based suicide prevention program at Deer Lakes School District.

The first year brought in 180 ornaments. Zaremski said the moment was both bittersweet and heartwarming for her. She handpaints all the ornaments.

“It was a little bit hard painting the names of those who passed,” she said.

This year, Zaremski will be doubling the holiday cheer by displaying four Christmas trees in West Deer.

Two trees will be displayed at the parish’s two church sites. Ornaments will be on sale for people to have the name of a family, business, organization or anything community- related to be printed on the decorations.

A third tree will be displayed at the West Deer Dog Shelter. Family pets past and present can be honored with an ornament.

Zaremski’s father, Rob, gave her the idea to have a fourth tree displayed at the World War II Memorial on Bairdford Road. Ornaments can be purchased for families with veterans or active military members.

“If there are soldiers deployed, this could be a connection for their family to honor them for being away from home for the holidays,” Rob Zaremski said.

Proceeds from each of the trees will benefit the parish, the West Deer Dog Shelter, the Backpack Initiative to Fight Hunger at Deer Lakes and the K9s for Warriors mission. Checks should be addressed to the organization where a person wishes to send a donation.

The trees will be set up Dec. 11. Ornaments will still be available to purchase during the duration of the trees being displayed through Jan. 8. Ornaments will be available for pickup afterward.

Despite the double load this year, Zaremski is looking forward to the amount of joy she experiences from doing something good for her community.

“I love this town so much, and I love any chance we get to be together,” she said.