Lester Park Students Donate Trees and Gifts to Hospitals

The 21st Annual Giving Tree Project Spread the Holiday Spirit at Hospitals and Assisted Living Facilities

DULUTH, Minn. — Across Duluth Tuesday, Santa’s helpers from Lester Park Elementary spread holiday cheer.

Students delivered gifts and Christmas trees to patients at Essentia Health and St. Luke’s, as well as Ecumen Senior Living. The children raised money through helpful acts at home, donating their extra allowances. It was all a part of the 21st Annual Giving Tree Project, a tradition close to one Lester Park teacher’s heart. Sue Baker said the project is all possible thanks to her son.

“So, my son when he was seven, he’s now twenty-seven, he said ‘can we make trees or decorate trees and bring them to the patients at the hospital?’ because his little brother was at the hospital two years prior.” Baker said. “He saw how the doctors and nurses took care of his little brother and he really wanted to give back to them. That’s how it all started.”

Baker added she knows what it’s like to be in the hospital and if she and the students can bring even a little bit of joy to the patients, she’s happy.