HOLDEN — After the ornaments are packed away, the real Christmas trees need to be disposed of, since they would be needle-less if they were stored until next Christmas.
For those in Holden, that disposal can be an easy process.
Scouts in Troop 182 are prepared, and as part of their year-end, year-beginning fundraiser can take those undecorated pines, firs, etc. The troop has been doing the fundraiser for the past few years, picking up Christmas trees from people’s houses for $10 a tree.
“We’re doing it again,” volunteer Chris Yurkus said, adding that people already have been signing up for the service, set for Jan. 6 and 13.
“The Scouts are all very well aware that this fundraiser is a benefit both to themselves and the troop as well as the community,” Yurkus said.
“In addition, they love watching the trees get chipped,” he said.
“This is a great service that the Scouts offer, especially in this day and age of multitasking. Everybody loves getting and decorating the tree, but nobody enjoys the tree removal. Why get needles and sap all over your car, or on top of it? Get your undecorated tree outside and go on with your day. Run errands, go shopping, bring the kids to sports, without sticky hands knowing the Scouts of Troop 182 will be there to help,” Yurkus said.
“We have three to five kids per crew, and it is an absolute race to get the trees. These guys know, the faster we go, the sooner they are done, but there sure is something fun about tossing a tree into a trailer.”
The 31 Troop members love doing it, Yurkus said.
“People sign up, and before each day maps are drawn up; the day of, we split into teams, usually led by a pickup truck or two and, if we’re lucky enough, a trailer. Crews break off and start picking up trees. Usually at each stop it’s a race to see who can get to the tree to throw it in the truck. I believe we did in the neighborhood of 125 trees last year.”
Yurkus said that “it is always nice to get the troop together, especially after a break in school and to start the new year. The Scouts know that this is a great service that we offer and how helpful it is. Whether we are picking up a tree for somebody that has no other way to dispose of it, or helping a family be more efficient, we’re thankful for every tree we can take away.”
The proceeds from the tree removal project go toward troop costs. Some are used for dues that are required for the administrative side of things, others for troop activities throughout the year.
“We do multiple outings throughout the year, such as our annual Hut Hike in the White Mountains, or a week away at Camp Wanocksett. All of these events have a cost, and through fundraisers like this, we are able to make these trips much more affordable and inclusive,” Yurkus said.
Christmas tree removal is a great fundraiser that not only helps residents of Holden, Yurkus said, but also “exposes you to areas of Holden that you didn’t even know existed. It’s awesome to get to know your town better. I love seeing the energy the Scouts bring to this event. It’s great to watch them work together to carry a huge tree or add it to the pile of trees we have already picked up.”
To schedule a pickup, Holden and Jefferson residents can contact Yurkus, the tree pickup coordinator, at cyurkus@gmail.com; be sure to include your full name, address, and where the tree will be.
