Katie Royster and the other volunteers who organize The Holly Jolly Christmas Tree Project are looking ahead even further and planning how they can help families have a holiday season that is merry and bright.

The goal of the project is to assemble the materials necessary for families to have a fully decorated artificial Chrstmas tree that they might otherwise not be able to afford.

That effort starts today, as The Holly Jolly Christmas Tree Project begins accepting donations of money, artificial trees and ornaments.

The project debuted in Fort Dodge last year. According to Royster, the project raised more than $2,900 and purchased materials to make 72 Christmas tree kits. Eact kit contained a 6-foot-tall pre-lit artificial tree, ornaments, ornament hooks, and a tree topper.

“This year, we have big goals and are hoping that by spreading the word and starting earlier, we can potentially double this and provide even more families with a Christmas tree kit this season,” Royster said.

“This year, we are partnering with the Spencer community and a portion of our total number of kits will be donated to Spencer area children and families who have been impacted by the flood,” she added.

Donations of money, trees and ornaments will be accepted beginning today and continuing through Dec. 1.

How to help

Donate money

Send checks to The Holly Jolly Christmas Tree Project at Availa Bank, 130 N. 29th St., Fort Dodge, IA 50501

Venmo — @treeprojectfd

Contact Katie Royster at roysterkatie00@gmail.com

Donate supplies

These items are accepted:

New pre-lit 6-foot-tall Christmas trees with stands

Unopened boxes of ornaments

Ornament hooks

Tree toppers

To arrange delivery of the items, contact Katie Royster at roysterkatie00@gmail.com