Rotary tree lot opens Nov. 29 on Larchmont
Leave the smell of turkey at your dining room table and take a whiff of the fresh, sweet scent of pine at the Wilshire Rotary Christmas tree lot. Beginning the day after Thanksgiving, Fri., Nov. 29, the lot, at 568 N. Larchmont Blvd., will be selling the much sought-after silvertip firs, along with noble, Douglas and Nordmann trees.
THE SOUGHT-AFTER silvertip firs are for sale at the lot on Larchmont.
Silvertips have a greenish grey hue with very stiff branches and needles. “They aren’t the typical bushy Christmas tree, but the young hipsters love them,” according to Wendy Clifford, the Rotarian who organizes the lot. She is very happy to have them back this year because they are difficult to acquire and stock.
Purchasing your tree here helps Wilshire Rotary raise funds for local nonprofit organizations such as Anderson Munger YMCA, Hope-Net, Alexandria House and Big Sunday, among others. In addition to trees, the Rotary lot will have fresh wreaths and garlands for sale.
“I feel the lot is a big part of the community. I give away about 100 trees each year to charities and needy families. Helping others is my favorite part [of organizing the lot],” says Clifford.
Selling trees takes a lot of effort, and the lot provides 65 people with seasonal jobs. Additionally, the lot gets a tremendous number of volunteers from the Interacters of Larchmont Charter High School. Interacters are the high school participants of Rotary International.
WINDSOR SQUARE resident Arlo Miller-Baynham helps a customer with his purchases.
“Give a Gift” Dec. 8
In conjunction with the lot, the Rotary is hosting its 26th “Give a Gift to Santa.” This event takes place in the parking lot behind Page Academy, at 565 N. Larchmont Blvd., on Sun., Dec. 8, from noon to 4 p.m.
This festive fundraising afternoon includes a bounce house, cookie decorating and crafts. Participants donate unwrapped toys or games worth $10 or more. Santa in turn gives the gifts to kids in need at the Red Shield Community Center, Boys and Girls Club of Hollywood and the Ronald McDonald House a few days before Christmas.This is the 18th year that Wilshire Rotary will be operating on the Boulevard, according to Clifford, who has been in charge of the lot for the past 12 years. It’s open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. until Mon., Dec. 23, or until the trees run out.
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