December 9, 2008

Christmas trees for charity

Cambrian Park Kiwanis continue a holiday tradition

By Carol Rosen
Editor

Shortly after the Cambrian Park Kiwanis Club opened its 34th annual Christmas tree lot at the Leigh High School parking lot, a young man showed up with his very young son on his shoulders.

The Martin family discusses whether this is the best tree for Christmas this year. The family bought the tree and a wreath and has patronized the lot in the past. “It’s a family tradition, said Kathie Martin, right, who is pictured with her husband Sean and 19-year-old daughter Stephanie, who attends Cal Poly Pomona. The Los Gatos family has been coming to the lot “for at least seven years. We come here each and every year, because the money goes to charity,” Kathie added. The family’s two sons, Brendan, who is 24, and Ryan, 21, usually join them, but were busy on that Sunday. Photo by Carol Rosen

“We’re here so my son and I can pick out our Christmas tree,” he said, “because my father brought me here when I was young the first time I got to pick out our Christmas tree.”

That tradition is true for many families who come to the lot every year to choose their holiday tree. It doesn’t seem like Christmas without a tree from this lot, said one customer.

Sue Flanagan Cordingly also remembers helping at the lot. Her father was a member of the Cambrian club and she is currently serving as lieutenant governor for District 12, which includes all 16 of the local Kiwanis Clubs.

This year, there are nearly 500 trees of all sizes, from tabletop trees to Douglas and Noble firs. Some are bushy, and some are less full to allow maximum views of the ornaments. There are wreaths too, some decorated, some with pinecones and others with bows. Tree prices range from $25 to $150 and the wreaths are priced from $28 to $35. Stands for the trees also are available for $16.50, which barely covers the cost.

Besides the tradition is the fact that the Cambrian Park club receives the bulk of its funding from the tree and wreath sales. The money goes to help local charities and projects the group takes on throughout the year. In fact, all the money it clears from the trees stays within the Cambrian area going to college and music camp scholarships, holiday parties for Hope and Della Maggiore, helping fund the summer music camp the club puts on every year and also helping other charities that are especially needy during the current economic crisis.

The lot, which opened the day after Thanksgiving, will remain open through Dec. 22. Hours are 3 to 8 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. It is on the Blossom Hill side of the parking lot near the end of Leigh High School property. Parking is plentiful, and trees can be delivered if necessary.