Marine Safety Unit Chicago U.S. Coast Guard

Press Release

Date: 29 Nov 2005 Contact: Mark Razney (630) 986-2155

HISTORIC CHRISTMAS TREE SHIP RETURNS TO NAVY PIER CHICAGO, IL - The Coast Guard Cutter MACKINAW is once again continuing the century old Chicago tradition of the Christmas Tree Ship.  On Friday, December 2 the MACKINAW will arrive at Navy Pier with over one-thousand Christmas trees that are destined for disadvantaged families in the Chicago area.  The trees were acquired with money raised by the Chicago’s Christmas Ship Committee and donations of trees by families from the MACKINAW’s homeport in Cheboygan, Michigan. The distribution of Christmas trees will commence on Saturday, December 3 with a brief ceremony where the first three trees will be presented to some local families at ten in the morning.  The remaining trees will then be loaded into trucks by local volunteers for distribution to needy families throughout Chicago.  Delivery of Christmas trees will be coordinated by the Community Resource Network, a partner agency of United Way.  The arrival of the MACKINAW is a culmination of efforts by Coast Guard active duty, reserve, and auxiliary members, private individuals, and the marine community.  While in port, the MACKINAW will host tours open to the public and educational programs for local area schools.  Visitors will be given an opportunity to learn about the role of the Coast Guard and the history of the Christmas Tree Ship.   FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Denise McCowan (312) 719-4734 Mark Razny (630) 986-2155 Schedule of Events Friday-December 2, 2005 0800 – USCGC MACKINAW: Arrives at Navy Pier 0830 – USCGC MACKINAW: Welcoming Ceremony 0930 – USCGC MACKINAW: Decorating Commences 1000 to 1200 – USCGC MACKINAW: Education program for children   Saturday-December 3, 2005 0800 – Navy Pier McDonalds: Volunteer registration. 1000 – USCGC MACKINAW: Tree donation ceremony. 1030 to 1130 – Navy Pier Rotunda Staircase: Rich Renik and Lee Merdock entertain with stories and songs. 1230 to 1330 – Navy Pier Rotunda Staircase: Rich Renik and Lee Merdock entertain with stories and songs. 1200 to 1700 – USCGC MACKINAW: Public tours on board.                               Sunday-December 4, 2005 1200 to 1700 – USCGC MACKINAW: Public tours on board. Monday-December 5, 2005 USCGC MACKINAW departs Chicago

 

 

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