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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- People of all ages showed up for the 17th annual Festival of Trees at the Pennsylvania Place.

The festival benefits the local Habitat for Humanity and has risen over $150,000 over the past 16 years.

Volunteers decorate Christmas trees provided by the Habitat for Humanity and set them up for display at the festival.

You can buy any tree you like and the money is put towards building a house for a needy family.

Festival Coordinator Judy Engle has sold a lot of the trees and there are plenty left.

Engle and volunteers work with families to build a house, but the house isn't just given to them.

"Habitat for Humanity doesn't just give a home to somebody," Engle said. "They have to put their equity into the home. It is a no interest loan that is given to the family. They work with our volunteers to build this house. We don't give a hand-out we give a hand-up."

You can still purchase trees on Sunday, November 24 from 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM

Another event just around the corner is the Tour of Homes.

If you would like to give a donation or volunteer, call 641-777-5903.