A special tree in the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Campus Center is one of more than a dozen Trent’s Trees across the state on display to help those who are coping with grief and loss during the holidays. This interactive holiday project was created by the Maine-based nonprofit Stay; For Life. Trent’s Tree started as a way for a mom to cope after losing her 18-year-old son to suicide, but has grown into a statewide initiative, with trees on display from Presque Isle to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
Through Jan. 5, all are invited to hang an ornament in memory of Trent, in memory of a loved one lost to suicide, to show support for and in honor of those who face mental health challenges, or simply to gain peace and strength from the outpouring of love displayed on each tree.
UMPI’s participation in the 3rd annual Trent’s Tree project was led by UMPI’s Student Activities Office and Student Organization of Social Workers after Stay; For Life co-founder and Trent’s Aunt Margo Stevens reached out about the possibility of locating a tree in the Presque Isle area.
Students and staff met with Stevens near the end of the semester to set up the tree in the Campus Center Owl’s Nest. The public indoor space was chosen as it would give campus and community members the opportunity to stop by and visit the tree when they are able and linger if they choose without concern for the weather. Individuals can bring their own ornaments to hang on the tree, and ornaments are also available on site to use if desired.
Stevens shared that because the holiday season can be a hard time for many, Trent’s Tree serves as a reminder to people that they are not alone.
Locations for Trent’s Tree 2024 include, in addition to UMPI: Main Street in Millinocket; True Connections Behavioral Health Services in Lincoln; University of Maine at Orono; Massabesic Lions Club in Waterboro, Partners Bank in Sanford, Bandaloop Restaurant in Arundel; MJ’s Construction in Lebanon; Wells High School; Rotary Park in Ogunquit; Fat Tomato Grill in York; Kennebunk Savings Bank in Eliot; Kittery Animal Hospital; Portsmouth Naval Shipyard; and Trent’s home in Wells. Individuals are also welcome to mail an ornament to Stay; For Life, 869 Bragdon Rd, Wells, ME 04090.
Stay; For Life’s mission is to save lives by advocating for men’s mental health and suicide prevention. In addition to the Trent’s Tree project, Stay; For Life provides outreach to schools, businesses, and the community, offering education around suicide facts and prevention, and advocacy around the importance of mental health in today’s world.
To learn more about Stay; For Life, visit the website at www.stayforlife.org or social media pages on Facebook and Instagram. Financial donations are welcomed, to help support ongoing efforts in the area of mental health and suicide prevention awareness.