Department of Youth Services Announces the Third Annual Holiday Tree Jubilee
In Partnership with Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services, Give Music, and the Center for Human Development (CHD)
“Everybody can be great because anybody can serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” — Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
SPRINGFIELD, MA – The Massachusetts Department of Youth Services (DYS) and the Center for Human Development’s Adolescent Reentry Services division are proud to once again partner with three local nonprofit organizations—Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services, Give Music, and the Springfield Cultural Partnership—to present the Third Annual Holiday Tree Jubilee. This festive community celebration will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Tower Square Food Court, 1500 Main Street, Springfield.
Thanks to the generosity of community sponsors, the Holiday Tree Jubilee remains FREE and open to all. “The Holiday Tree Jubilee reminds us that even in challenging times, we can create something beautiful when we come together. The magic starts with us — with every partner, volunteer, and community member working to bring joy to youth and families.” Shares DYS Facility Administrator, Katisha Woods-Johnson.
This year’s Jubilee promises an unforgettable evening filled with holiday cheer for families and youth. Attendees will enjoy photos with Santa, live carolers, a hot chocolate station, dance performances, face painting, cookie decorating, ornament making, letters to Santa, Friendly’s sundaes, and more. The celebration highlight—an exciting holiday tree raffle—features 105 (and counting!) beautifully decorated, family-themed holiday trees, all donated and designed by community partners. Every tree will go home with families in attendance at no cost.
“We are honored to continue this purposeful partnership as we usher in the holiday season for families in our community,” said Shannon M. Rudder, President & CEO of MLKFS. “This collaboration represents more than a celebration—it is a heartfelt commitment to spread much needed joy, hope, and support to our neighbors. Together, we are reminded of the strength of community and the importance of lifting one another up.”
For inquiries or any other questions, please reach out to Claudia Pazmany at cpazmany@mlkjrfs.org.
About:
Since 1977, the mission of Martin Luther King, Jr. Family Services, Inc. has been to nurture and develop the skills, opportunities, and spirit of families in Greater Springfield and the surrounding communities.
MLKFS fully embraces the vision of the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. of the Beloved Community. As a multicultural and multiservice agency dedicated to being “Keepers of the Dream”, MLKFS nurtures and empowers the aspirations of individuals, families and youth to achieve new realities of peace, social and economic justice, self-determination, self-actualization, and self-sufficiency. MLKFS serves as a beacon for the community, offering Out of School Time programming, literacy promotion, college readiness, HBCU Experience, youth mental health, family support, public health and teen leadership, community engagement initiatives, and cultural experiences through art, dance, and sports. The organization also operates the fourth largest food pantry in Western Massachusetts. |
