The Giving Tree

In an attempt to help make Mobile shine during the visit of the President-Elect, I directed City employees to take down a cedar tree in a City park so it could serve as the State's biggest Christmas Tree.  This decision caused controversy that I deeply regret.  In an effort to make this right, the tree will be repurposed by the Boy and Girl Scouts for community service projects and three new trees will go up in Public Safety Memorial Park in the coming days.  

Taking responsibility for these actions, I vowed to pay for the replacement of the tree and associated costs.

The incredible thing is -- there has been an outpouring of support to help make this situation right.  Many generous people have offered to help defray the costs.  It is truly humbling.  

But, Mobile, Alabama, still has pockets of abject poverty.  In good faith, I cannot accept the donations offered when I know there are children whose Christmas or life could be better if only we gave to the organizations that serve them.

Therefore, I am requesting you join me in contributing to those who need it the most in our community.  The funds raised will be distributed equally to Ransom Ministries, One Meal Mobile and Feeding the Gulf Coast.  These organizations along with many others are doing God's work in our community.

During this season of giving, I ask for your forgiveness, but more importantly your generousity to benefit those who truly need it.

Respectfully,
Colby Cooper