Donate a Tree, Wreath, or Basket

Our beautiful holiday tree, wreath, and basket raffles are known throughout the area for their creativity, beauty, and incredible prizes. Thanks to the generosity of our community, Wilmington has never disappointed—and we’re confident this year will be just as spectacular!

To fill the hall, we need 100–120 donated trees, wreaths, and baskets. We hope you’ll consider being part of this cherished holiday tradition.

How Donating a Tree Works

Donating a tree is easy—and there are no rules for how elaborate it needs to be!

1. Choose your “tree.” A traditional artificial tree is always welcome. A pre-owned tree is perfectly fine as long as it is in good condition. If it is pre-lit, all lights must be fully functional (no restrung lights), since the winner will take the entire tree home.

   But don’t feel limited to a traditional tree! Some of our most popular entries are alternative trees made from grills, small pieces of furniture, sporting equipment, ladders, wooden crates, and other creative displays. If it can be decorated and raffled, it can be a “tree.” The only limit is your imagination!

2. Pick a theme. Your display can reflect a hobby, favorite holiday tradition, sports team, movie, vacation, children’s theme, or anything else that inspires you.
3. Decorate it. Some donors keep it simple with ornaments and ribbon, while others include gift cards, themed gifts, experiences, or wrapped surprises. Whether your display is elegant, whimsical, or over-the-top, there is no right or wrong way to create your donation—have fun and be creative!
4. Donate it to our raffle. The winning ticket holder receives the fully decorated tree (or alternative display) and everything that comes with it.

Not interested in decorating a tree? We also welcome beautifully decorated wreaths and themed gift baskets.

Who Can Donate?

Anyone can donate! From individuals and families to groups of friends, neighbors, clubs, sports teams, businesses, and organizations, everyone is welcome to contribute.

All donations are tax-deductible, and proceeds help fund our holiday gift program and other goodwill initiatives.

Registration

Please register your donation by Friday, November 27, 2026.

• Trees must be artificial, fire retardant, and in good condition. Previously used trees MUST NOT be broken, spray painted, or musty-smelling.
• Trees should not exceed 7.5 ft tall.
• When donating gift cards, scratch tickets, or cash, please decorate your tree with copies. Upon check-in, we will collect, catalog, and store the originals off-site for safekeeping.
• When possible, donations should be lighted.
• Bring scissors, tape, hooks, and any other supplies you need for decorating. We can share what we have in a pinch, but we won’t have enough supplies for everyone. 
• All extension cords will be provided.
• Include a tree skirt or decorations under your tree to mask electrical wires. Trees, decorations, and items placed under the tree are considered part of the donation and will be raffled off with the tree.
• Leave boxes and packaging for the new owner to ensure all decorations are protected and intact.
• Take all trash and extra decorations with you when you leave.
• Keep a record of expenses and save receipts for tax purposes. 
• Be creative! Ribbons are awarded to the best trees in a variety of categories!

Donation setup will occur on:

• Tuesday, December 1, 2026, from 12 PM – 8 PM 
• Wednesday, December 2, 2026, 12 PM – 8 PM

A setup time sign-up is required for all donations that require decorating on-site. A sign-up link will be emailed to you after you register your donation. Wreath and basket donors can drop in anytime during setup hours; no signup is necessary.

All donors must check in at the front desk in the lobby upon arrival. A volunteer will provide you with a ticket bucket, donor card, and labels for your boxes. An escort will bring you to your assigned location.