VAN ETTEN, NY (WENY) -- Every year, members from the Arctic League, a nonprofit organization in Chemung County pick one tree to grace the stage for its annual Christmas broadcast. The tree is typically between 10 and 12 feet tall and has to be from Chemung County.
"It’s an annual event for the Arctic League [where] we try to find the perfect Christmas tree for the annual broadcast. We were fortunate enough to be out here in Van Etten and found the perfect tree," said Director of the Arctic League, Tom Bruner.
The 2024 Arctic League Christmas Tree, a Norway Spruce about 12 feet tall, came from Brockway Tree Farm in Van Etten.
The owner of Brockway Tree Farm said one night they were watching the news and saw how the Arctic League needed a tree for its annual Christmas broadcast. He thought one of his trees would be a good fit so he applied, and the rest is history. He and his wife said they're happy to help because it's important to give back.
"It's something that is very important to us... When we saw this opportunity, [we knew this was] something we want[ed] to do. At this point in our life, we love to give back to the community when we can," said Don Brock, owner of Brockway Tree Farm.
The Christmas broadcast is the Arctic League's only fundraiser of the year. The money raised goes towards making sure no child in Chemung County goes without gifts on Christmas. The broadcast is happening on Sunday, December 1st from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and you can watch on WENY ABC and the CW. You can also drop off donations in person during the broadcast at Mandeville Hall at the Clemens Center in Elmira.
"We’re out here today trying to bring attention to the Arctic League broadcast because that is the only fundraiser for the Arctic League. If we can raise the money, 3,000 kids (in Chemung Co.) [will] have big smiles on their faces this year... The community has been with the Arctic League from the beginning. I always like to say the Arctic League and Chemung County are synonymous terms. One belongs to the other. Everybody loves the Arctic League and we’re here to help those kids. So, feel good about yourself, tune in on Sunday, make a donation, and make these kids happy," said Bruner.