By Kaitlin Candelaria
In the midst of a difficult holiday season, Kristen Morrow was struck with inspiration.
Last year, Morrow saw a news story on a neighborhood tradition in San Francisco called the “Wishing Tree.” Members of the community came together each year and decorated a tree, writing prayers, hopes and wishes and attaching them to the tree.
“One of my coworkers had been involved in a terrible hit and run accident, leaving her hospitalized for days,” Morrow said. “Our community also had a beloved school teacher facing a battle with cancer. I immediately thought that would a be a wonderful thing to bring to Homewood and a great opportunity for us to gather and leave well wishes for the new year.”
Morrow shared the story on her Facebook page, where it caught the eye of former City Council member Heather Reid, who immediately began working with the city to gain permission to do a similar project in downtown Homewood.
“Another friend, and very active advocate of all things positive, offered to donate some strings of lights,” Morrow said. “We met on the curb in Homewood on Dec. 26 with lights, a ladder, lots of pre-strung tags and Sharpies, and so began the Homewood Wishing Tree.”
The project was such a hit with the community that it will be back again this year Dec. 26. You have until mid-January to pin your wishes to the tree, which is located on 18th Street in the downtown area of Homewood in front of Trak Shak.
Tags and markers will be provided at the tree, but well-wishers are welcome to bring their own, as well.
For more information on the Wishing Tree or to share your visit, visit the Homewood Wishing Tree Facebook page.
