OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — The Salvation Army’s annual Tree of Lights campaign is set to get underway in the Omaha area next week with the annual lighting of metal Christmas trees in front of American National Bank branches in central Omaha and in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
In Omaha, hundreds are expected to gather Nov. 8 for the lighting of a 75-foot tall, two-ton metal tree with more than 60,000 LED lights and 600 lit snowflakes, topped by a 6-foot star. The event features live music, food, reindeer and other Christmas-themed offerings
Across the Missouri River, the Salvation Army will also light a Christmas tree atop the American National Bank branch in Council Bluffs and serve refreshments. The lighting ceremonies kick off the Salvation Army’s red kettle bell-ringing drive.
The money collected during the six-week campaign supports food pantries, housing, utility assistance and other services.