The wishes scribbled and stapled to Winterhaven's popular Wishing Tree each year actually double as data for a science project that began in 2000.

The display is now known as the wishing tree. The idea was that anyone walking by could participate by writing their own Christmas wish. “Take a candy cane and make a Christmas wish,” a sign says.

The mysterious wishing tree creator started a symbol of hope all are welcome to share in. More from CBS News. New Jersey flash floods blamed for at least 2 deaths in Plainfield.

Editor's note: This story was originally published on Dec. 18, 2017. The wishes scribbled and stapled to Winterhaven's Wishing Tree each year actually double as data for a science project that ...