The Giving Tree 2025
Putting Our UU Values Into Action this Holiday Season
As the holiday season unfolds, I’m delighted to share that our congregation has once again gathered around the warmth and symbolism of our annual UU Holiday Giving Tree. This year’s theme—sustaining a community committed to making the world more just, compassionate, and equitable—feels especially meaningful to me. In a world that urgently needs our values in action, the Giving Tree invites each of us to help sustain our spiritual home that grounds and inspires our commitment to living with love at the center.
The Giving Tree is a Board-led fundraiser, and all contributions go directly to our operating fund—the foundation that supports our worship, pastoral care, religious education, social justice work, and the many behind-the-scenes essentials that keep our community thriving. With giving levels ranging from $5 to $10,000, I love that everyone can participate in a way that feels right and meaningful – every gift, no matter the size, strengthens our shared mission. Posters and flyers near the tree provide examples of what many different levels of support could cover, just a few examples include:
- $15 could cover a copy of The Unitarian Universalist Pocket Guide for new members
- $50 could cover childcare one Sunday
- $100 could cover 5 books for adult book study
- $250 could cover a guest artist musician on a Sunday
- $1,000 could cover two months of power
- $5,000 could cover our subscription to REALM for a year.
I am thrilled to share that the first weekend of the Giving Tree saw tremendous generosity—over 45 donations already! To everyone who has given so far, THANK YOU! Your early support is inspiring and reflects how deeply our congregation cares about sustaining the work we do together.
As a small gesture of gratitude, I invite every donor to take a hand-painted ornament from the tree. These works of art, created with care, represent the beauty we create collectively and the impact of many hands shaping a more hopeful future. For those considering year-end charitable giving for tax purposes, this is also a meaningful opportunity to support the congregation while meeting personal financial goals.
If you haven’t yet had a chance to participate, I warmly invite you to join me. You can follow this link or scan the QR code on the flyer, poster, or back of an ornament with your phone’s camera to make a donation. Together, we can sustain a community that keeps compassion alive, justice moving forward, and our shared light shining brightly into the year ahead.
warmest thanks,
Monica Youngman and the UU Asheville Board of Trustees