Every year, a community member donates a Christmas tree to the town of Grand Ledge to kick off the holiday season. This year, the Grand Ledge Christmas tree has a special story behind it.
The Dean of Students for 11th and 12th grade at Grand Ledge High School (GLHS), Maria Capra, donated the shared Christmas tree to the Grand Ledge community.
“The tree that we had in our yard in the corner of the yard, we’ve had for probably 30 years,” Capra said.
The town of Grand Ledge goes around the city to find a tree that fits their criteria.
“They want the tree to be really large, and they want it to be really full,” Capra said.
Unlike the state tree displayed in front of the Capitol building, Grand Ledge doesn’t allow people to submit their trees to a competition for the best tree. It is more about who in the city has the best tree they want displayed during the holiday season.
“Without knowing it, based on what the city was looking for, they were probably in there like this is a good tree,” Capra said.
Cutting down the tree is the biggest challenge; many trucks and pieces of equipment are used. The road was blocked because the process is so challenging. Then, transporting the tree to the spot in town is the biggest mission, while protecting the tree and managing other traffic.
“They harvest the tree, and then they take the tree directly to Grand Ledge and set it up that day, at least into the hole. And if there’s any branches that were broken or snapped, they actually screw them back in to fill the tree,” Capra said.
With Capra so closely connected to the community, many neighbors came to watch the tree cutting, and many people have responded to her donation to the community.
“There’s been some posts on Facebook, and I hear from people, ‘oh you’re the ones that donated the tree,’” Capra said.
This tree stands in the heart of town, with glowing lights and community members gathering around together during the parade on Dec. 5, 2025, to begin the holiday season. We thank Mrs. Capra for her kind donation; the community now has a centerpiece that reflects the holiday spirit and the impact of giving.
