Ledger File Photo Gaffney City Hall will be aglow with lavishly decorated trees during the Christmas season. The City of Gaffney will again this year host the Festival of Trees. Nonprofit organizations serve a distinct purpose in communities around the country - being there to help and support those in need, many times at a crucial point in their lives.

But with the country's economy in turmoil, the steady flow of monetary donations and gifts that are the lifelines of these groups have dried up.

The holiday season is especially important for nonprofit organizations, as they ramp up services to make sure all can feel special at a time synonymous with hearty greetings and gift-giving.

In an effort to help the groups and clients they serve, the City of Gaffney is allowing local organizations to decorate a Christmas tree for display in city hall as part of its second annual Festival of Trees.

Local residents will be the judges of which nonprofit group created the most lovely tree, having the opportunity to purchase ballots for $1 that will go to the organization of their choice - in essence, making the festival a win-win situation for everyone involved.

"For every ballot received, the respective nonprofit organization will receive an equal amount of money," said City Clerk LeighAnn Turner. "For example, if the Cherokee Historical and Arts Preservation Society receives 100 votes, they will get $100."

Anyone purchasing five ballots will receive a special coupon enabling them to vote for the tree that they believe has the most creativity. However, the "Most Creative" coupon will not be counted as part of the fundraiser, instead being used as an incentive for people to purchase tickets in $5 increments.

General ballots are for People's Choice Awards, which will be announced and presented by Mayor Henry Jolly at the end of this year's festival at 2 p.m. on Dec. 22.

Last year's event was a big success, according to Turner, with the Festival of Trees drawing visitors to Gaffney City Hall throughout the Christmas season.

"This is not (the City of Gaffney) soliciting any particular nonprofit group," Turner said. "This is us giving all of them the opportunity to help themselves so they can go about helping others."

A special open house to showcase the trees will be Friday Dec. 5, during the 2008 Christmas on Limestone. The trees can then be seen until New Year's Day, Dec. 8-12 and Dec. 15-19 from 8:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. and 12:45-5 p.m. and on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 9 a.m. until noon.