HUDSON — If you visit the Hudson Town Hall, you might notice bags hanging from the bushes in front of the building.
If you read the sign in front of the foliage, there is a simple explanation: Everyone is invited to leave a small gift there and then take whatever is desired.
Called simply the Sharing Tree Project, JoAnn Rhodes, a resident of Hudson for 27 years, dreamed up the little idea that has become a big one.
“I came up with the idea and went to the town for approval,” she said.
She was inspired by an idea that took place in Sudbury, where ornaments were donated and put on the town tree.
“Sudbury did an ornament donation in 2020, where people left ornaments on the town tree. The town has put them in a time capsule,” said Rhodes.
She liked the simple concept of sharing a little gift with others in a complicated world.
She added, “I feel that sharing is a great life lesson, and with everything going on in the world, everyone could make someone’s day a little brighter.”
Right now, Rhodes is the only one managing and overseeing the project, but many people are spreading the word. She has a student at Hudson High School, and a son who works at Quinn Middle School.
Superintendent Brian Reagan approved all school principals to add it to the weekly newsletters, while Kerri Lesage, who teaches art at Hudson High School, has assisted with the promotion of the project. In addition, Rhodes has posted on Hudson’s Facebook groups.
“I have the art teacher at Hudson High School volunteering to help. The schools are sharing the information of this project. Scout troops are participating. It’s all over Hudson’s various Facebook groups,” said Rhodes.
The crafts include kits, ornaments, socks, hats, mittens, gemstone hearts and even an adorable crayon drawing. It could even be “a note to put a smile on someone’s face,” said Rhodes.
She said, “My intention is to make someone’s day a little brighter.”
The Sharing Tree Project is going on until Dec. 31, and if it is successful, Rhodes said that she would love to do it again in the future.
