Crest Hill man’s Christmas trees ready for residents to decorate with holiday wishes

Sam Chellino of Crest Hill likes to provide some spirit of the season for his community.

Chellino, 79, each year for Christmas decorates three trees in his yard at 2101 Greengold St. Each tree has a different theme.

One is a Wishing Tree, where people can leave notes or ornaments that express good tidings for people who may be going through a struggle, he said.

Another tree is the Hope Tree, for people to attach messages of hope and ornaments for people going through cancer, he said.

The third tree is the Angel Tree, which Chellino said is to remember people who have passed, “sort of a memorial tree.”

In addition to the trees, Chellino also plays Santa Claus throughout the community, something he said he has been doing for 61 years and still enjoys. He said he spreads Santa’s greetings to businesses, community groups and neighborhoods.

He even has a mailbox in his yard where children can drop off letters to go to Santa.