IBEW Local 98 steps up to fix Bridesburg Christmas tree
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Members of IBEW Local 98 helped to fix the Bridesburg Christmas tree that was badly damaged by vandals.
The first official week of the 2022 holiday season in Bridesburg has caused a range of emotions. From euphoria Saturday night when their Christmas tree was lit to anger and frustration two days later when vandals cut those lights.
"I just think that it's nonsense," resident Ryan Wuest said. "I don't think it's necessary. I think it's just people out here looking for trouble. It's not the right thing. It ruined the Christmas spirit for all the kids around here."
It's believed that some teenagers cut the just-hung lights sometime Sunday night. The damage was estimated at around $1,000.
"We were frustrated. Very disappointing," Kathy Enggasser said. "It was like they just sucked all the air out of the Christmas spirit we just instilled."
But in just a matter of days, people in the community offered to help.
"We had a lot of outpouring for help from everybody in the community," Enggasser said. "People wanted to donate money to have it redone, people were offering to come out and help us decorate it, but we needed to wait for the police to give us the clearance."
And just like that, bright and early Thursday morning, members of IBEW Local 98 were on site and stringing lights back up, restoring the Christmas spirit in a town, allowing for another tree lighting and bringing the community closer together.
"Brings everyone together," Wuest said. "The kids love it. That's what it's all about. It's about the kids."
"I'm telling you Bridesburg is alive and well and there's a lot good people," Councilmember Mike Driscoll said. "And we're going to have a merry Christmas."
"It says that we are a tight community," Enggasser said, "and that there is still love and respect for your neighbors."