Making Spirits Bright with Tiny Trees

Over a decade ago, a patient was diagnosed with leukemia during the holidays, which inspired her family to create the Tiny Trees program.

Today, Tiny Trees spread joy to our patients and families by delivering a personalized tree to each room. Thoughtfully decorated and delivered by volunteers, these trees provide normalcy during a very challenging season. The program originally began with a handful of trees and now provides over 1,000 tiny trees to patients each year, involving over 200 volunteer service hours.

“From our volunteers’ perspective, this is a truly special interaction,” said Landyn Ford, Volunteer Programs Manager at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital. “Sharing these beautiful trees with our patients creates a magical moment, but what makes it even more memorable is letting them know the tree is theirs to enjoy and take home. No child wants to spend the holiday season in the hospital, so this unique opportunity allows us to make their stay a bit more festive.”

Children’s Hospital volunteers love playing “Santa’s Helpers” by delivering Tiny Trees to patients’ rooms. One of our patients, Taylor Lunn, has received four trees throughout the years. Tiny trees have provided her with a lot of joy during the holiday season as she’s receiving treatment. “I got my first tree in 2016. My favorite was the Tinker Bell tree. I loved how it was pink with lots of pretty lights and ornaments. The tree brightened up my room and day!”

“There is nothing like seeing the child’s face light up when we make these deliveries – it is nothing short of amazing. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year,” said Landyn.