OLYMPIA— Preparations are underway for the state holiday tree, the evergreen that adorns the Capitol Building rotunda each year, to arrive on the Capitol Campus and receive its customary decorations.

For the fourth year in a row, the Weyerhaeuser Company is donating the tree. The 34-foot Noble fir will make its formal public debut with the traditional lighting ceremony in the rotunda at 6 p.m. Dec. 6.

This year's tree features "Timeless Toys" décor, including a variety of plush characters and many different types of timeless toys. The Association of Washington Business (AWB) has donated the 7,000 LED lights that adorn the tree.

Since 1989, AWB has sponsored the Holiday Kids' Tree Project, which collects donations to give to rural fire districts across the state as a way to ensure families in need are supported during the holiday season.

Just before the Dec. 6 lighting ceremony, the grant money will be presented to fire department officials from Asotin, Benton, Thurston, Island, Mason, Chelan, Pierce, Grant, Grays Harbor, Lewis, Okanogan, Adams, Spokane and Walla Walla, who will distribute toys and food to families in need in their areas.

When the tree comes down at the end of the holiday season, AWB donates the toys from the tree, along with books, to patients at children's hospitals.