The Counseling Center and Stay; For Life are hosting the second annual Trent’s Trees tree lighting ceremony on Friday, Dec. 6 at 4:30 p.m. in front of the Alfond Arena. The Counseling Center and Daniel Pulhman, of the College of Education and Human Development- Child and Family Studies, have collaborated with Stay; For Life to host Trent’s Trees. This is an interactive holiday initiative to help people who face grief during the holiday season. Guests are invited to hang an ornament in memory of Trent, in memory of a loved one lost to suicide, to show support for and in honor of those who face mental health challenges, or to simply gain peace and strength from the outpouring of love displayed on each tree.
Trent’s Tree was created by Trent’s Mom, Angela Whitten, co-founder and executive director of Stay; For Life, during the holiday season of 2022. Stay; For Life is a non-profit organization with a mission of saving lives by advocating for men’s mental health and suicide prevention. Stay; For Life was created after the suicide death of Angela’s 18 year old son, Trent, in June of 2022. Angela wanted a holiday tree in which family and friends could use to help cope with the first holiday without Trent. As the idea was born, it evolved into providing a safe space for people struggling with the holidays for any number of reasons. As Trent’s Tree gained more attention, neighboring communities, the media, and people from hours away wanted to be involved. The family received cards and personal notes emphasizing the power contained within the project. People expressed that they were able to embrace the loss
of suicide for the first time since losing their loved ones years and even decades previous. The interactive project was such a huge success, communities from all around began asking what they could do to host a Trent’s Tree in their hometown. Trent’s Tree is an amazing interactive holiday initiative created to help people who face grief during the holiday season. Guests are invited to hang an ornament in memory of Trent, to commemorate a loved one lost to suicide, or to show support and in honor of those who face mental health challenges. Guests are also encouraged to visit a Trent’s Tree simply to gain peace and strength from the outpouring of love displayed on the tree. The holiday season can be a hard time for many… Stay; For Life hopes that Trent’s Tree reminds people that they are not alone. Trent’s Trees are found at businesses, community hubs and parks, public schools, and college campuses across Maine and into New Hampshire.