Paul Eames Christmas tree lot honored in new Easter Seals ornament | VIDEO

ALBANY — Easter Seals of Southern Georgia unveiled its 2014 collectible Christmas ornament — honoring Paul Eames’ Christmas Tree Lot — at a ceremony Monday.

To commemorate the occasion, Albany Mayor Dorothy Hubbard read a proclamation showing the city’s support of the local organization and the annual ornament project.

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“I am delighted to be here and honor you all and be a part of this celebration as we pay tribute to this family business as well as Easter Seals of Southern Georgia,” said Hubbard. “The spirit of giving should continue year round as Easter Seals of Southern Georgia provides direct services to children and adults with disabilities on a year-round basis.”

The subject of this year’s ornament has been selling trees during the holiday season in Albany for 51 years.

Members of the Eames family, Paul’s widow, Dot, and his two children Glenn and Stacey, were on hand for the unveiling of the ornament and shared their appreciation for the business being chosen as the ornament’s subject.

“My mom and dad have always been ingrained in Albany. Some of my earliest memories were at the Christmas tree lot,” said Stacey Eames. “It’s just such an honor to be sharing in everyone’s memories and Easter Seals is such an awesome foundation. We’re really proud of this.”

The sale of the annual Christmas Tree ornament began in 1992 and has become a way for Easter Seals to gain recognition and raise funds for its various programs.

“We provide services that benefit children and adults with developmental disabilities,” said Easter Seals of Southern Georgia Director of Family Support Services Nicki Wilson. “The fundraiser goes to helping support the Easter Seals. It’s very important. It helps raise awareness.”

Wilson said the ornament, which was designed by ChemArt, a company specializing in keepsakes, is available for $15 and will be available until all 750 that were created are sold. In addition to the 2014 ornament, Wilson said a select number of ornaments from prior years are still available.

Anyone interested in purchasing an ornament can visit www.southerngeorgia.easterseals.com or contact the local office at (229) 439-7061 or at the Easter Seals’ office located at 1906 Palmyra Road. Albany, Ga. 31701

To learn more about Easter Seals of Southern Georgia and its programs visit the organization’s website www.easterseals.com/southerngeorgia/ or call (229) 439-7061.