MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Sunday night in Whitehaven, neighbors celebrated the return of a Christmas Tree which mobilized the community one year ago.
In 2022, backlash arose during the holiday season over the Christmas tree first set up at Southland Mall. Neighbors said it was a far cry from the holiday display they grew up with, some even referred to it as “The Charlie Brown Christmas Tree.”
“I'm like Southland mall done shot out, what kind of mess is this?” Lisa Flowers told ABC24 in 2022.
Responses drove Jason Sharif and the community development group ‘Respect The Haven’ into action to replace the tree at Southland Mall.
“Children in Whitehaven deserve to have a big Christmas tree like everybody else,” said Sharif.
Within a week, Respect The Haven said it raised around $30,000, which helped bring a 30-foot replacement tree to the Whitehaven neighborhood, adding to the decades old tradition.
“Christmas tree lighting was something we did every year, and we missed it,” said Sam Echols, who attended the lighting Sunday.
In addition, Memphis Mayor-Elect Paul Young was in attendance with his family. The Memphian helped decorate the tree last year with the help of the Downtown Memphis Commission.
“It’s moments like this that allow us to remember how great we truly are,” said Young, ”I remember seeing it all the time when I was a child and we’d come here shopping, so it’s great to see it back.”
Now with the tree back again, those in Whitehaven said it showcases the hope and light for the community moving forward.
“We have a lot of dark days in Whitehaven but we have a lot of bright days and a lot of great things going on in Whitehaven,” said Sharif.
Respect The Haven says the plan is to continue bringing the new tree back every holiday. The group said it costs around $6,000 to do it, which is why they are looking for sponsors to help.