Cooler weather and aroma of pine welcomes the Youth Center’s 18th annual Christmas Tree Lot Sale through Dec. 22 at the Ganahl Lumber parking lot located at 10742 Los Alamitos Blvd., in Los Alamitos. It is a major fundraiser for the Youth Center, for local schools and youth groups. The tree lot is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends, and noon to 9 p.m. on weekdays until they sell out.
On hand each season are about 500 volunteers who help patrons select the perfect. Children will receive free coloring books, crayons and candy canes. However, volunteers are still needed and kids as young as 14 years old can sign up.
According to Youth Center Program and Office Manager Julie Rubin, 99 percent of those assisting with the tree lot are volunteers. Scout troops, school PTAs, other non-profit organizations and many members of the community get together for this great cause to raise funds for youth programs. “Many bring friends and make an afternoon or evening of it,” she said. “There’s nothing like being around the wonderful scent of pine while helping a family to select their perfect holiday tree.”
Patrons can select from among four different types of Christmas trees including the Noble, the Nordman Fir, Grand Fir or Douglas Fir. The best seller is the Noble Fir because it lasts the longest and has a great aroma. For those wanting to hang heavier ornaments the Nordman Fir is ideal with its strong branches. Grand Firs are the most affordable and aromatic but come in later in the season. The longest lasting is the Douglas Fir tree. All trees are cut and arrive from Oregon twice a week, then freshly cut again when they come to the tree lot. Delivery is available within 15 miles for a modest fee. Also sold at the tree lot are wreaths, small trees (under 3 feet), garlands, stands, tree preservatives, bags, and holiday nick-nacks.
The Youth Center programs benefiting directly from tree lot sales are the After School Program, RASCALS, Music Program, the Leadership Academy, “Every 15 Minutes” youth drunk driving deterrent program, and the Rossmoor Park Summer Day Camp and Teen Camp. “The proceeds from our annual tree lot are essential to helping fund scholarships that enable children to attend the various activities the Youth Center offers,” said Executive Director Lina Lumme. “Last year, more than 65 families were provided with scholarships, enabling many children to participate in programs we offer. Parents are thankful to staff and volunteers that help to make their child happy and successful.”
Different youth groups will also benefit from the sales including those at St. Hedwig School, McAuliffe Middle School, Los Alamitos Elementary School, Weaver Elementary School and Rossmoor Elementary School as well as Los Alamitos High School baseball, basketball and marching bands. The Youth Center is grateful for its Tree Lot sponsors this holiday season including Ganahl Lumber, Leone Electric, Lion’s International, The Sun Newspaper, Event News, News-Enterprise, Rainbow Environmental Services, SirSpeedy, Rodger Borge State Farm, Dr. Arthur Laos, Lice Clinic, and Telein.
If you would like more information regarding the tree lot including how to be volunteer, contact the Youth Center at 562-493-4043.
