In many Churches, it has become customary to decorate a tree with hats, gloves, scarves, and mittens to share with those less fortunate. This tree, known as the Mitten Tree, gives us a visual opportunity to see that which we share.
Some of us knew the late John Young, a Trenton resident (and husband of Betsy Young) who, in 1968, founded the House of Soul, which was a community center in East Trenton. It was a meeting place for disadvantaged youth. It was John Young who introduced the concept of a Mitten Tree to his local Unitarian Universalist Church after noticing many children walking around with socks on their hands. He was told that many children and adults didn’t have warm clothing.
When our Church was organized, we decided to continue the tradition of a Mitten Tree. This year’s tree trimmings will be donated to those at the local motels and the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen.