United Way of the Mid-Ohio Valley delivers Christmas tree to Parkersburg Police Department

The following article first appeared in The Parkersburg News & Sentinel on December 16th, 2024.

On Friday morning, Parkersburg Police Chief Matthew Board was contacted by United Way Executive Director Stacy Decicco advising him that members of the community had a Christmas tree to donate to the Parkersburg Police Department.

“It was quite a pleasant surprise when I walked into the hallway and saw what Mrs. Decicco had,” Board said. “The fact that members of this community had us in their thoughts during the Christmas season, made the time to go bid on this beautiful tree and have it presented to the Parkersburg Police Department truly means more than I can say. We are so fortunate to get to serve in a community that we have such a wonderful relationship with. This act of kindness is a shining example of how wonderful the greater Parkersburg area is. I want everyone who took part in this gesture, from the Wood County Prevention Coalition who had the police-themed tree made, to those who placed the bids, to know how much this is appreciated.”

The tree donated had been auctioned at the Festival of Trees event, which is a fundraiser held by the United Way, at the Blennerhassett Hotel. The tree was sponsored by the Wood County Prevention Coalition and decorated by the Friends of the Festival Committee, with police decor and ornaments. An anonymous business owner, as well as members of the community, came together to bid on the tree. Upon placing the winning bid, they requested the tree be donated to the Parkesburg Police Department as a token of appreciation and Christmas spirit. Decicco stated that those who placed the winning bid wished to remain anonymous.

“We have the tree displayed at the south end of the hallway of the Police Department,” Board said. “Making it visible from the Municipal Building parking lot and 2nd Street for all to see.”