The Service Project

Wally’s Christmas Tree Farm

Picture a scene reminiscent of a small-town corner lot where families select the perfect tree to tie to the top of the car, take home, and decorate in preparation for Christmas. The lot is contained by an old wood and wire snow fence. Strands of exposed lights are hung above. Various evergreen trees stand ready for selection. And of course, an old, silver Airstream trailer is in the corner where ‘Wally’ is awaiting a sale!

To help you visualize Wally’s Christmas Tree Farm - There is a large lot with a paved walkway to the pad where the Airstream will set. Between two and three dozen trees would be permanently planted, decorated, and lit with underground electrical service to each. Various garland, fun signage, saws, and other appointments fill the lot. An ADA compliant path and an aluminum ramp will lead to the entry door level of the Airstream. Our site contains a commercial swing set for families to enjoy. A dirt remote control truck race track will be constructed.

The primary reason for the Airstream is to provide a cooling area for ill children. Chemotherapy often causes overheating. The modified layout will be furnished with comfortable seating. The children will be entertained by a television showing Christmas movies. The rear of the trailer will house a volunteer office. This area will be used for various paperwork tasks and will house the chargers for the communication equipment.

Info about the donated Airstream:

“The Citadel”

The organization that donated the 31’ Sovereign to Santa’s Hide Away is a 501-c3 organization in existence for 28 years. It is called Growing Wheel International Inc. WBCCI member Dr. Sue Gurney is the founder and acting director.

“Here for the past few years we have been teaching young people from the local college - Appalachian State University - how to use tools and work with experts to renovate vintage Airstreams. The Citadel was one of the many renovated Airstreams we enjoyed —we put in a new floor and subfloor and other simple repairs that brought great success to those involved.

We are always looking for ways to keep the circle of volunteer-help moving in a well-organized pattern of giving and receiving. It seems that donating to the Hide-Away would allow a new partnership with our organization for those parents in grief looking for a retreat center. Many people come here for healing and renewal. It is our pleasure to offer our "hide away" at the end of a dirt road in the Appalachian Mountains to those who are interested.

Learn More at: www.growingwheel.com”