Deck the Trees Celebrates 15th Year of Supporting Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry's Fuel Fund
December 5, 2025 – January 5, 2026
Creatively decorated trees at The Monte Vista Hotel during the 2020 Deck the Trees fundraiser.
Beloved local fundraiser Deck the Trees will return for its 15th anniversary December 5, 2025 - January 5, 2026! Deck the Trees is an annual holiday fundraiser for the Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry (SVCM) Fuel Fund, helping neighbors in need to keep their homes warm during winter. Peri Social House, Tyson Furniture Company, Inc., and White Horse Black Mountain will host a number of this year’s trees, along with dozens of other local businesses in Swannanoa and Black Mountain. Visitors can drop by during regular business hours to enjoy more than 50 beautifully decorated trees, all following this year’s theme of “Christmas in Music & Song.”
Since its inception in 2011, Deck the Trees has raised over $463,000 to help low-income Swannanoa Valley residents afford the cost of heating their homes. With many neighbors still struggling to recover from Hurricane Helene, local need for energy assistance remains urgent. Deck the Trees will provide both locals and visitors to the Swannanoa Valley a chance to patronize a variety of local businesses hosting the trees. Many of these businesses have suffered losses related to Helene. Visiting and voting for the trees will also be a fun, festive holiday activity for families and children, focused on the altruistic spirit of the Christmas season.
Art-themed tree by the Swannanoa Valley Art League in at the Monte Vista Hotel in 2020. SVAL has participated in every single season of Deck the Trees!
From December 5 to January 5, the public will be invited to vote for their favorite tree(s) by donating $1 per vote. Visitors can donate online via a QR code for each tree, or by cash or check using the donation box located next to each tree. Online donations are encouraged. 100% of voting proceeds will go directly to the SVCM Fuel Fund. Votes are unlimited, and you can vote for as many trees as you’d like!
For 14 years, The Monte Vista Hotel in Black Mountain has generously hosted Deck the Trees events. While The Monte Vista undergoes renovations this winter, Peri Social House, Tyson Furniture Company, Inc., and White Horse Black Mountain have stepped in to be this year’s main hosts. A full list of tree locations will be available soon on the SVCM Deck the Trees website. This site will also host photos of each tree, so those who are unable to visit the trees in person can still participate. Friends of the Trees can follow all this year’s updates on SVCM’s Facebook (facebook.com/svcmcares) and Instagram (svcmwnc).
Additional sponsors for Deck the Trees are always welcome! If you or your business would like to become a Deck the Trees Sponsor, please contact Katherine Achtemeier.
Tree with custom ornaments by the Black Mountain Fire Dept. in 2022, on the theme of “Let Heaven and Nature Sing.”
The Deck the Trees Committee is a dedicated group of local volunteers committed to raising funds 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. To donate, volunteer, or inquire about aid, please call (828) 669-9404, or visit svcmblackmountain.org. SVCM is also open for in person visits Monday - Friday, 9a.m. - 3p.m., at 101 N. Ridgeway Ave., Black Mountain, NC 28711. SVCM is a 501(c)(3) and contributions are tax deductible.
For more information about Deck the Trees, please contact Kat Achtemeier or Judi Melton.
Contacts: Kat Achtemeier & Judi Melton
Phone: (563) 580-6489, (704) 773-6668
Email: k.achtemeier@gmail.com, judimeltonconsulting@gmail.com
Tree by Oliver's Woodworks in 2020, on the theme “And a Star Appeared.”
