Washington Park holiday tree burned hours after community lighting ceremony
My Block, My Hood, My City volunteers were also robbed earlier in day while helping decorate homes along King Drive on South Side
CHICAGO (WLS) -- A holiday tree in Chicago's Washington Park has been burned and significantly damaged.
Nearly half the tree was burned and a holiday banner was also destroyed sometime overnight Saturday, according to My Block, My Hood, My City.
Washington Park Chamber of Commerce had a tree lighting ceremony near 55th Street and King Drive as part of a community celebration Saturday.
"While it is a setback it's not going to stop us from beautifying the community through the holiday season," the MBMHMC said.
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"I don't understand, why our community? Why our christmas tree? All we want to do is just have a wonderful time celebration. We want to bring a beautiful tree to our community and we don't know why a person would want to do this. It's just so unfortunate," said Donna Hampton-Smith, CEO of the Washington Park Chamber of Commerce.
Hampton-Smith said it's unfortunate it burned, but it will be replaced Monday.
It's the second setback this weekend, after volunteers decorating homes were robbed Saturday.
Still, My Block, My Hood, My City said volunteers were able to light up more than 200 homes along King Drive.
They plan to be back out next weekend with security.
If you would like to sign up and volunteer with the organization, visit their website, formyblock.org.
