RANGELEY – Preparations begin Saturday, Nov. 20, for the Lighting of The Giving Tree that will take place the following Saturday, Nov. 27, at 6 p.m. at the town park.

In preparation this Saturday, master tree decorator Jack Bates will be helped by Chad Alexander and Kelcie Wentworth, Rangeley Lakes Regional School students who will be doing community service work, as they string 600 lights and set up The Giving Tree Angel on the lawn at the town park between the Chamber building and the War Memorial.

The ceremony lighting the tree will take place at 6 p.m. sharp on Nov. 27. Participants will include Santa Claus, The Giving Tree Angel and the Giving Tree Christmas Elf. The invocation will be given by the Rev. Anne Roundy, then people all go to The Barn for the continuation of the program, Christmas cake and hot cocoa, music by the Witherell family and benediction by the Rev. Kyle Grennen.

Gifts for The Giving Tree can be dropped at the Chamber or can be brought at that time for distribution the weekend of Dec. 18. The Senior Tea will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19, at the Rangeley Townhouse.