Decorations on the trees of local nonprofit organizations illustrate their roles in the community. Whether it be toys and other memorabilia, paint brushes or stories of how a person was impacted by the care received from a certain organization, these groups hope visitors will respond with donations. There will be no long waits in line for Gaffney City Clerk LeighAnn Turner and her family this holiday season.

Wanting to make an impact on someone else's life other than their own, the family has decided to purchase the perfect gift — one that keeps on giving.

Turner said her family is donating funds to local nonprofit organizations this holiday by way of the City of Gaffney's Festival of Trees.

"It's a chance to be a blessing to others," Turner said. "We're blessed, and rather than buying something with material value, this money will help someone in need."

Nonprofit organizations have taken a direct hit during the current economic downturn, seeing money that once flowed freely into their hands from donors dry up.

The holiday season is usually a time when these groups ramp up their services as the number of clients rise. However, all of them are feeling the pain this year.

With that in mind, Turner believed it was more than enough reason to help.

"All of them have a role that they play in making sure those needing help get it," Turner said. "Every little bit helps."

Visitors to City Hall are welcomed to a "winter wonder land" of sorts, with 21 trees representing the vast array of help organizations in Cherokee County.

"You'll see one tree decorated with children's toys like monopoly and a teddy bear, while in another you have little hands telling the story of someone's life," Turner said. "It's quite nice if you ask me."

A $1 ballot helps visitors make their choice as to which tree in their eyes is the most appealing. Each ballot serves as a dollar going toward the nonprofit group of their choice, making the situation a win-win for all involved.

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

These tickets are also being used to decide the People's Choice Award, which goes to the nonprofit group whose tree receives the most votes. Mayor Henry Jolly will present the award Dec. 22.

Turner said the festival is already off to a hot start.

'We haven't opened yet and have received close to $600," Turner said. "I'm anxious to see how much more successful things will be when we get started."

Anyone purchasing five ballots gets a special coupon enabling them to vote for the tree that was the "most creative." However, this coupon is not counted as part of the fundraiser, being used as an incentive for people to buy tickets in $5 increments.

Nineteen nonprofit groups participated in this year's festival. The S.C. Peach Festival, Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce and the City of Gaffney also have trees on display.

The gallery will be open for all to see through Dec. 22.

While Turner does have her favorites, her family has chosen to donate money to the organization that most reminds them of a certain loved one.

"My grandmother is turning 90 this year, so with that in mind I've chosen to cast my ballot for the Senior Centers of Cherokee County," Turner said. "After I've donated the money, they will get a card that's not to be opened until Dec. 25 telling them we gave to the particular organization in their honor.

"To me, that is one of the most genuine and caring things you can do."