Deck the Trees is Making Spirits Bright and Keeping Homes Warm in the Swannanoa Valley this Christmas
December 3, 2026 - January 1, 2027
BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. — Deck the Trees will be Making Spirits Bright across the Swannanoa Valley from December 3, 2026 through January 1, 2027! Now in its 16th year, Deck the Trees is an annual Christmas fundraiser for the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry (SVCM) Fuel Fund, helping neighbors in need to keep their homes warm during winter. Visitors can drop by participating locations during business hours to enjoy dozens of beautifully decorated trees, inspired by this year’s theme of “Making Spirits Bright.”
Since 2011, Deck the Trees has raised over $545,000 to help low-income Swannanoa Valley residents afford the cost of heating their homes. In 2025, SVCM’s Crisis Ministry provided over $182,000 in energy assistance to 449 valley households — a 90% increase since 2022. Since last winter, the local cost of heating oil has increased by about 64%. Amid rising needs for heating assistance, SVCM is calling on all who are able to give generously to Deck the Trees this season!
Deck the Trees also provides locals and visitors alike a chance to patronize a variety of Swannanoa Valley businesses hosting the trees. Peri Social House, White Horse Black Mountain, and Town Hardware & General Store in Black Mountain will host a number of this year’s trees, along with dozens of other local businesses. Visiting and voting for the trees is a fun, festive holiday activity for families and children, centered on the altruistic spirit of the Christmas season.
From December 3 through January 1, the public is invited to vote for their favorite tree(s) by donating $1 per vote. Donate online via a QR code for each tree, or by cash or check using the donation box beside most trees. Online donations are encouraged. 100% of proceeds will go to the SVCM Fuel Fund. Votes are unlimited, so participants may vote for as many trees as they wish!
A full map of tree locations will be available in November on the SVCM Deck the Trees homepage. This page will also host photos of each tree, so those who are unable to visit the trees in person can still participate. The public can also follow this year’s dazzling displays and special moments on SVCM’s Facebook (svcmcares) and Instagram (svcmwnc).
Additional sponsors for Deck the Trees are always welcome. To become a Deck the Trees Sponsor, please contact Katherine Achtemeier (k.achtemeier@gmail.com).
The Deck the Trees Committee is a dedicated group of local volunteers committed to raising money for the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry Fuel Fund, helping to ensure our neighbors stay warm in the winter. The committee’s mission is to create opportunities for individuals, businesses, and organizations of the Swannanoa Valley to participate in the yearly Deck the Trees fundraiser, an act of community caring, creativity, and holiday cheer.
Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry (SVCM) is a team of committed staff, volunteers, churches, and community partners working together since 1975 to provide essential support and compassionate service to neighbors in the Swannanoa Valley. Our mission is to embody Christ’s love through neighborly service. To donate, volunteer, or inquire about aid, please call (828) 669-9404 or visit svcmblackmountain.org. SVCM is a 501(c)(3) and contributions are tax-deductible.
For more information about Deck the Trees, please contact Kat Achtemeier.
Contact: Kat Achtemeier
Phone: (563) 580-6489
Email: k.achtemeier@gmail.com
