The JC Penney court got a bit brighter Saturday morning when Golf Mill Shopping Center kicked off its Festival of Trees food drive. The event corresponded with the mall's welcoming of the holiday season, which included the arrival of Santa Claus into Winter Wonderland in the mall's center court and carolers from Des Plaines Willows Academy.

The Chicago Pet Rescue, Home Depot, Maine Township Mainestreamers, Niles Chamber of Commerce, Niles Fire Department, Niles Police Department, Niles Public Library, Niles Senior Center, St. Juliana School in Edison Park and St. Matthews Church in Niles have all decorated a tree to fit the mall's 50th anniversary theme of  "Then and Now."

"It is heartwarming to see how these businesses put their creative minds together and brought their family members into the creation of each tree," said Regina Verdico, director of marketing and business development at Golf Mill. 

As of Monday, the Niles Senior Center held the lead with nearly 100 votes that came in the formation of non-perishable donations in their name. St. Juliana School and Chicago Pet Rescue are following closely behind but Verdigo said, "The Festival of Trees is not so much about competing--it's all about the donations it generates for the Maine Township Food Pantry."

The Festival runs through Dec. 4, but donations can be made to Maine Township and many other food pantries year round. Check out the trees and bring a non-perishable food item to the Customer Service Center. 

Check the Golf Mill website for other holiday festivities and promotions.