WELLS, Maine — When winter rolls around in Maine, twinkling holiday decorations help to make long, dark nights a bit more bearable. There are seven special Christmas trees set up around the state this year, serving a unique purpose.
In June of 2022, Angela Whitten of Wells lost her 18-year-old son, Trent Gibson, to suicide. She said the first holiday season without him was challenging, so she and her family put up a Christmas tree in his bedroom to try to feel a little less sad.
"I decided to put the tree outside and invite all of our family and friends to stop by at any time," Whitten said, noting it ended up in her front yard. "It just kind of snowballed from there."
Now, that one "Trent's Tree" has turned into seven this year, all located around the state from Kittery to Millinocket. Whitten is inviting anyone to hang an ornament to remember Trent or a loved one they lost to suicide—or to support someone struggling with their mental health.
“It’s incredible to know that the work we’re putting out there is being embraced and supported by people," Whitten said.
A wooden frame standing next to the "Trent's Tree" in her yard speaks to that. It's adorned with all of the ornaments that were put on that singular tree last year when the effort began.
"You get this heaviness, but then you look at the tree and all of the love and comfort and support from all the people," Whitten said.
One of the seven trees is located at Wells High School, which was Trent's alma mater. Angela's stepson Conner Whitten, a senior there, said it's a reminder every day of who Trent was.
"He loved nature and sunsets and all sorts of stuff like that," Conner Whitten said.
He said he's hoping the "Trent's Tree" will reach the people it needs to, since many kids his age struggle with mental health.
"You just have a lot weighing on your shoulders all the time it feels like," he added.
Another tree is located on the University of Maine at Orono's campus. A tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for Friday this week.
"We need to change the story about mental health," Daniel Puhlman, an assistant professor of family studies at UMaine, said. "We need to reduce the stigma, and we need to talk about it openly—because it’s an affliction that happens to a lot of regular, normal, ordinary people.”
Angela also started the nonprofit Stay; For Life after Trent's death to raise awareness about mental health among boys and men specifically. You can find the seven "Trent's Tree" locations here.