That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.
December 21, 2018 7:25 AM Subscribe
The Christmas weed (No, not that kind of weed) adorning a West Toledo intersection has grown from curious holiday delight to impromptu collection drive.
Or, as resident Luci Baumberger said at the site, “I think it is just the most Toledo thing to ever happen,” she said. A circle of donations now surrounds the decorated plant at West Alexis and Secor roads. Canned goods, scarfs, socks, and sneakers all sit at the pedestrian island for those in need. It is not clear who started the gift giving, but the curb has quickly become a “take-what-you-need” dropoff site.
University of Toledo student Alyssa Emrick, 20, tells NPR that she and her family had often driven past the weed recently on their way to and from church. Then on Dec. 9, a light went off for her father, Troy.
"For a while he has wanted to decorate something kind of random, so when people see it they smile," his daughter says. The weed reminded him of Charlie Brown's spindly Christmas tree, so it fit the bill.
The family pulled over, added two pieces of tinsel and moved on, thinking that was that, Emrick says.
Now, what's come to be known as the Toledo Christmas Weed has grown into a local phenomenon.
Or, as resident Luci Baumberger said at the site, “I think it is just the most Toledo thing to ever happen,” she said. A circle of donations now surrounds the decorated plant at West Alexis and Secor roads. Canned goods, scarfs, socks, and sneakers all sit at the pedestrian island for those in need. It is not clear who started the gift giving, but the curb has quickly become a “take-what-you-need” dropoff site.
University of Toledo student Alyssa Emrick, 20, tells NPR that she and her family had often driven past the weed recently on their way to and from church. Then on Dec. 9, a light went off for her father, Troy.
"For a while he has wanted to decorate something kind of random, so when people see it they smile," his daughter says. The weed reminded him of Charlie Brown's spindly Christmas tree, so it fit the bill.
The family pulled over, added two pieces of tinsel and moved on, thinking that was that, Emrick says.
Now, what's come to be known as the Toledo Christmas Weed has grown into a local phenomenon.
I've seen some random trees decorated around and about, trees in medians or in the highway right-of-way, but none so spindly or so celebrated. Good on you, Toldedo! And thanks for this positive holiday post!
posted by filthy light thief at 7:46 AM on December 21, 2018 [4 favorites]
posted by filthy light thief at 7:46 AM on December 21, 2018 [4 favorites]
Aw, that is sweet. I like how the city is participating by providing collection bins and gathering the items to redistribute, instead of just tearing the whole thing down. It's a great way to encourage civic engagement from the bottom up. Yay Toledo!
posted by Fig at 7:52 AM on December 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Fig at 7:52 AM on December 21, 2018 [1 favorite]
If I were just driving by and hadn't seen these stories I would assume that someone was killed in a car accident at that corner. It looks like those pop-up shrines.
posted by elizilla at 8:18 AM on December 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by elizilla at 8:18 AM on December 21, 2018 [2 favorites]
What a great thing! The Mayor's proclamation video is a hoot.
(Once in rural Wisconsin we saw a road kill deer decorated with Santa boots and a hat. I'm relieved they didn't think to add a donation drop off.)
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 8:18 AM on December 21, 2018 [4 favorites]
(Once in rural Wisconsin we saw a road kill deer decorated with Santa boots and a hat. I'm relieved they didn't think to add a donation drop off.)
posted by Orange Dinosaur Slide at 8:18 AM on December 21, 2018 [4 favorites]
CNN Headline News reported on this and their chyron read: TOLEDO LOVES CHRISTMAS WEED. I was like really, who doesn't?
posted by peeedro at 9:46 AM on December 21, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by peeedro at 9:46 AM on December 21, 2018 [3 favorites]
So, you're saying not everything is terrible and on fire. Neat.
BREAKING: Christmas Weed Accused of Being Creeper
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 9:57 AM on December 21, 2018 [5 favorites]
BREAKING: Christmas Weed Accused of Being Creeper
posted by Alvy Ampersand at 9:57 AM on December 21, 2018 [5 favorites]
Ugh. Milkshake Weed...
posted by Windopaene at 10:11 AM on December 21, 2018 [3 favorites]
posted by Windopaene at 10:11 AM on December 21, 2018 [3 favorites]
My dear departed Mother and two Uncles were born in Toledo, and my Maternal Grandmother told me they grew like weeds (even after my Grandfather moved the family to Cleveland for a job with Standard Oil).
posted by oneswellfoop at 10:28 AM on December 21, 2018
posted by oneswellfoop at 10:28 AM on December 21, 2018
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it's a good post, but it takes a while to thaw my cold, bitter heart.
posted by theora55 at 7:37 AM on December 21, 2018 [7 favorites]