10th annual Hope Tree lighting ceremony held in South Jamaica, Queens
NEW YORK -- The holiday season is in full swing, and communities across our area are lighting up their own Christmas trees.
In South Jamaica, Queens, a Hope Tree is now shining bright over families who look forward to it every year.
The Christmas tree was lit Friday night, the kickoff to the holiday season for families in the neighborhood.
"Rockefeller Center's a little far, so this is actually perfect for the tree lighting," Queens resident David Haynie told CBS2's Jennifer Bisram.
Before the lighting, families enjoyed the shops, food, games and toys at the Winter Village.
For Hope NYC, it's now a 10-year tradition with a special meaning.
"This tree back here is our Hope Tree. The first year of our Hope Tree was in the year Hurricane Sandy hit New York, and our neighborhood was so badly affected that we thought we needed to get a tree that they could see from anywhere around here. So we had to get a tree that was taller than 20 feet," Pastor Sharon Ramkhelawan said.
This year's tree is 35 feet tall and has over 10,000 colorful bulbs -- picture perfect for families to get their holiday shots.
"Part of our vision here is to make sure that the families in Queens know that there's always going to be somebody looking out for them," Ramkhelawan said.
With Christmas just weeks away, kids told us why they love this season so much.
"I like getting the presents and I like seeing all the lights," one kid said.
"The presents," another child said.
"Presents," another kid said.
"My favorite thing about Christmas is the presents you get," another child said.
The Haynie family says they love the joy the holidays bring.
The holiday fun continues this weekend in Queens. Santa will be at the Hope Winter Village on Saturday to give out presents to kids in the community, and a parade will be held along Rockaway Avenue on Sunday.
For more information on hours and activities at the Hope Holiday Winter Village, visit hopenyc.com.
