By Sarrah Peters
News Editor
Every year the Hokes Bluff Lions Club sells Christmas trees at the 901 West Meighan Boulevard empty lot in Gadsden. This year will be no exception. The sale begins today, Nov. 27.
The club prides itself on delivering quality trees that are trimmed and drilled with a vertical drill. The stands allow buyers to simply place the tree on the center spike for the tree to remain straight with no adjustment or screws. A basin for water is also provided and is useful in keeping the tree fresh.
The 6 to 10 foot tall trees are purchased from Stone Mountain Farms in North Carolina. The club only buys beautifully shaped Fraser Fir trees that should last the entire Christmas season if properly watered.
The staff, which consist mostly of Lions Club members, will securely load the trees into, or onto, your vehicle. Some groups volunteer to help unload the trees. Coaches of local sports teams bring their athletes to assist. Both Hokes Bluff and Gadsden City high school students are assisting the Lions Club this year.
The club also sells 12 and 18 inch decorating wreaths. Wreaths are limited, so they are first come, first serve.
The Lions Club sells the Christmas trees to help provide money for its numerous causes. The club’s biggest project is to help cure blindness. It provides glasses and eye exams for those who need assistance.
Another fundraiser by the Hokes Bluff Lions Club to support the sight programs is to sell brooms and mops, often made by the visually impaired. Some of these items should be on hand at the tree sale.
The proceeds also help support other programs hosted by the Lions Club. One program is a backpack project that provides weekend food for students that otherwise may go without. The club also helps supply over 40 families with Christmas food and toys.
The club accepts cash or checks for payment and hopes everyone has an enjoyable Christmas experience.
The trees don’t last long before they are sold out.
“Usually after two weekends things are starting to run out,” said Jerry Heard.