The trees were judged in a contest, judged by Nolan County Judge Tim Fambrough, Sweetwater ISD assistant superintendent Kathy Smartt and Reporter managing editor Tatiana Rodriguez. First and second place winners of the contest received prizes. According to FFB employee Debbie Anthony, the prizes were not the reason the bank wanted to decorate the trees.

"Most people take having a Christmas tree for granted. A Christmas tree is all some kids ask for on their Christmas wish lists," said Anthony.

Each department had very creative decorations on the trees. First place went to the new accounts department. The tree was adorned with blue and green ornaments as well as several dollar bills. The bottom of the tree held small toys. Second place went to the bank tellers. Their tree was adorned with many small toys, sticker books and candy. Third place went to the loan department who had a sports themed tree, decorated with small toys. The motor bank decorated their tree with fancy purple ornaments while the trust department had red ornaments. The bookkeeping department decorated their tree with many streamers.

The six trees were given to Sweetwater families early in December so that they could enjoy the trees throughout the month.

"The thrill of this event has been decorating the trees for the children. We wish we could be there to see their faces when they receive their trees," said Anthony.