The First Trent's Tree

Trent’s Tree was created by Trent’s Mom, Angela Whitten, co-founder and president of Stay; For Life during the holiday season of 2022. She wanted a holiday tree in which family and friends could use to help cope with the first holiday without Trent. As the idea was born, it evolved into providing a safe space for people struggling with the holidays for any number of reasons. As Trent's Tree gained more attention neighboring communities, the media, and people from hours away wanted to be involved. The family received cards and personal notes emphasizing the power contained within the project. People expressed that they were able to embrace the loss of suicide for the first time since losing their loved ones years and even decades ago. The interactive project was such a huge success communities from all around began asking what they could do to host a Trent’s Tree in their hometown.

How Trent's Tree Works

You are invited to hang an ornament in memory of Trent, to commemorate a loved one lost to suicide, or to honor yourself or someone who faces mental health challenges. If you are unable to visit any of the locations, you can mail your ornament to Stay; For Life at 869 Bragdon Rd, Wells, ME 04090. ​ Guests are also encouraged to visit Trent’s Tree simply to gain peace and strength from the outpouring of love displayed on the tree. The holiday season can be a hard time for many, Stay; For Life hopes that Trent’s Tree reminds people that they are not alone. When visiting a Trent's Tree location, guests can expect to have their privacy respected during their visit, no one will greet them to discuss their reason for visiting. ​

At the end of each season, the ornaments will be carefully packaged, stored and will be put on display the following holiday season. ​ A photo gallery with pictures from all of Trent's Tree locations can be found in each years archive below.

If you would like to add your picture be sure to tag your picture with #trentstree or email to [email protected].