The spirit of giving was on display at the Wilton Festival of Trees over the weekend.

The three-day event to benefit SHARE –  which provides food, clothing and emergency financial assistance to area families in need who do not qualify for government assistance or for whom assistance is not enough or delayed – had raised close to $20,000 by Saturday afternoon, according to Cynthia Dokmo, one of the driving forces behind the affair.

“It’s amazing - all the creativity and generosity on display here,” said Dokmo Saturday.

At the Colonel Shepard House in Milford,  trees and gift baskets reflected imagination.

“It’s fantastic. All the effort coming together now for this good cause,” said volunteer Marsha Nelson as she looked about a room that included a police-themed tree by the Amherst Police Department sporting yellow caution tape. A “Wicked”- themed tree in another room was based on the film currently in theaters. 

The event was staffed entirely by volunteers, including Michelle and Greg White of Milford. 

“It’s about community, and being creative for a good cause,” said Michelle. 

Individuals, area businesses and organizations accounted for the early total, according to Dokmo.

“Our goal is to get to $40,000 by the time things end on Sunday,” she said.