Lynda Parker, a long-time supporter of The Sanctuary, along with her neighbors in the East Tennessee community of Tellico Village, donated 125 Christmas trees to The Elephant Sanctuary last week, continuing a tradition she started several years ago.
This meaningful gesture began in 2019 when Lynda, seeking joy after her partner's passing, discovered The Elephant Sanctuary and decided to repurpose her Christmas tree. Since then, she has expanded the initiative, encouraging others in Lenoir City, Tennessee, through Nextdoor and Facebook. The response has been overwhelming this year, with the Tellico Village Wellness Center facilitating drop-offs and generating widespread community support.
Lynda expressed gratitude for the heartwarming response, emphasizing the positive impact of collective participation. "This year, I just can't believe the response I'm getting," Lynda shared. "People are just jumping on board, and it's such a good feeling."
Thanks to the generosity of supporters like Lynda and our community, The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee receives an abundance of donated Christmas trees each year, which are used for enrichment and to supplement the elephants' winter diets. This is especially important during cooler weather when the elephants choose to spend more time inside their heated barns.
Until January 20, The Sanctuary is accepting donated trees that are clear of tinsel and ornaments and pesticide-free. Trees can be delivered to the Elephant Discovery Center at 27 East Main Street, Hohenwald, TN 38462. Questions? Call (931) 796-6500.
The elephant habitats as are close to the public. Visitors to the Discovery Center will not see or interact with the elephants.