With the Chamber’s withdrawal as producer and overall sponsor of the annual Idyllwild Tree Lighting Ceremony, and with just over a month to organize the event, longtime organizers Marge Muir and Karen Doshier are calling for help.

What is needed, said the team of Muir and Doshier, is one overall coordinator. A fundraising chairperson and a promotion and public relations chair are also urgently needed.

“I think the Soroptimists will act as the sponsoring 501(c)(3) nonprofit,” said Doshier. “That way all contributions will be tax deductible. We currently have chairpersons for the vendor booths and the program but we don’t have one person to oversee the entire event.”

Also needed is a location for Santa and Mrs. Claus. Muir said she hoped it did not have to be outside, since inside is better for the event and for the children

Also lacking is a ground crew to put the lights in the tree and to remove them in January.

In normal years the planning for the event begins in the spring. The lost production time can be made up said Muir, but not without volunteers stepping up now.

Contact Gary Taylor (Chamber) at 659-8100 or Muir or Doshier at 659-8335 if interested in serving.