Volunteers spread winter cheer in Blue River

Large wooden candy canes are freshly painted and waiting to be delivered to Blue River.

Fifty larger-than-life candy canes are being delivered to the Blue River community between 12:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. today, Friday, December 17.

“Before the fire, the Blue River community would come together to decorate one of the large trees in town,” said McKenzie Valley Long Term Recovery Group Board Member Sarah Koski. “This is our way of helping to bring some of the traditional cheer of the holiday season to the community while they are still working to rebuild and recover from the Holiday Farm Fire.”

The candy canes, which stand three feet tall, are the work of the McKenzie Valley Long Term Recovery Group’s Spiritual Needs Committee, Love for Lane County, and generous community partners.

The wood was donated by Jimmy Swanson of Swanson Group Manufacturing and the candy canes were cut and painted by Camp Harlow volunteers.

“Christmas is such an important and special time for many families,” said Koski. “We are really excited to help bring some holiday cheer to Blue River.”

In addition to the candy canes, Willamette Christian Center donated Christmas lights for the community’s Phoenix sculpture and sign.