Christmas Tree Sales Help Local Nonprofits

Many local Christmas tree lots are selling trees for a good cause.

Many people are getting the jump on buying their tree this year after a late Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner.

But where people buy their trees will have a big impact on some local nonprofits.

“For Troop 105, it provides all of our operating expenses for the entire year,” said Rich Scholl.

Scholl is a leader for Boy Scout Troop 105. The scouts set up shop in the Saint Raphael’s Parish parking lot in Goleta. So far they have made about $2,500.

“You might be able to get them for less elsewhere, but you’re supporting a good cause,” said Scholl.

In Santa Barbara, men and women in uniform will be getting into the Christmas spirit. Anthony’s Christmas tree lot donates to Trees for Troops, which provides free trees to service members and their families.

Around 300 trees will be sent to the Marine Corps base in San Diego and on Sunday, thanks to Union Bank, 25 trees will be given to the troops locally.

“I think it’s great that someone is doing this as apposed to chopping trees and putting money in their pockets,” said Chris Lenci, who was with his son to purchase their tree.

In the Santa Barbara Bowl parking lot, Todd Yuhasz of Toddy’s Chirstmas trees will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Education Outreach program for kids.

“It’s an after school music program. Over the years the schools have taken some music out of the schools and the Bowl is trying to put some of it back,” said Yuhasz.

So when families buy their trees this year, they might be doing a lot more than just decorating.

“It’s always good to support anything, any good cause,” said Amy McDonald, who purchased a tree from Anthony’s.