Megan Hammersmith has been donating trees to Akron Children’s Holiday Tree Festival for the past 4 years. Her tree theme this year is based on the musical “Wicked.”
Each Thanksgiving season, the John S. Knight Center transforms into a winter wonderland filled with sparkling lights, themed trees and holiday cheer. Among the hundreds of dazzling displays, 1 tree holds special meaning for a former Akron Children’s patient.
From patient to supporter
At just 11 months old, Megan Hammersmith was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. Over the next 17 years, she received ongoing care during regular doctor’s appointments at Akron Children’s.
“When you’re a child, you don’t always think about the broader picture of how amazing it is that we have this hospital locally and that so many people have made it their vocation to help children,” said Megan. “I have that context now as an adult, and it was important to me to find a way to show my gratitude for the care I received as a child. I wanted to pay it forward for children in our community today and in the future.”
A creative way to give back
For the past 4 years, Megan has done exactly that by decorating and donating a tree to Akron Children’s annual Holiday Tree Festival. Now in its 44th year, the event is the hospital’s largest single fundraiser, raising more than $7.6 million to support patient care.
A few of Megan’s past tree themes included Mary Poppins and Neverland.
“I grew up coming to the Tree Festival and strategically putting my raffle tickets into the boxes for trees that had the most sparkle,” said Megan. “Now, as an adult, I have the time and resources to donate a tree, so I decided to do it.”
By day, Megan works in a role focused on rules, processes, data and logic, making the creative process of tree decorating a refreshing change of pace.
Finding inspiration in story and song
Each year, Megan’s trees tell a story. Past themes have included Cinderella, Mary Poppins and Neverland. This year’s design draws inspiration from one of her favorite musicals – “Wicked.”
Megan has a team of 12 “engineers and crafters” who help her design and decorate the tree.
“I love trees that have a narrative behind them,” she said. “I’m so excited for the second movie to come out this month.”
Beyond its visual appeal, the story of friendship in “Wicked” resonates deeply with Megan.
“There are 12 people who help me put the tree together each year. The engineering team started in May, and the weekly crafting crew started in August,” she said. “If that isn’t the definition of friendship, I don’t know what is.”
Crafting magic with friends and family
Almost everything on Megan’s “Wicked” tree is handmade or customized – a true labor of love.
Megan relies on family and friends to help her decorate her tree.
“The lights on the Yellow Brick Road were custom programmed and meticulously installed. The Emerald City was made and lit from scratch by my dad with help from a neighbor,” Megan explained.
Her mom also plays a key role, helping organize take-home projects and keeping the Wednesday night craft sessions running smoothly.
“Each petal on all of the poppies was cut and molded by hand,” Megan said. “I come up with a theme each year and the general vision, but all 12 individuals contribute to the final product. I couldn’t do it without them.”
Spreading joy, one tree at a time
For Megan, tree move-in day is one of the highlights of her year.
“At the beginning of the day, the room is empty, and then people start coming in with their trees, boxes and decorations,” she said. “At the end of the day when you leave, you see the magic happening. It’s so much fun to see everyone’s trees and all of their creativity.
Megan fondly remembers visiting the Tree Festival as a child with her family.
“It’s also wonderful to see all of the volunteers and watch this community come together to support Akron Children’s Hospital,” she added. “I hope people smile when they see my tree – and maybe even wonder how we pulled off some of the decorations.”
Akron Children’s Holiday Tree Festival runs from Nov. 15-23 at the John S. Knight Center, 77 E. Mill St. in downtown Akron. Admission is free.
Similar stories:
Foundations help expand mental health care access at Akron Children’s Behavioral Health Centers in C...
Medina Sunrise Rotary gift reflects a commitment to serving kids in Medina
Wall of Hope shows light at end of NICU tunnel
Akron Children’s Mahoning Valley begins construction and renovation to inpatient units
Lenny Fisher donates $1 million to support Akron Children’s emergency department expansion
For more information and hours, visit akronchildrens.org/treefestival.
