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PLEASANTVILLE, N.Y. The annual Christmas tree sales at the United Methodist Church in Pleasantville is not just the typical Christmas offerings. All traditional trees such as fraser firs and balsam firs are sold along with decorated wreaths and other ornaments. Yet the purpose every year of the sale is to support local organizations in this season of giving and the event has become a staple among locals.
Its a real tradition here in the village, said United Methodist Church Pastor Steve Phillips. There are people that have been coming here since they were younger and now they bring their kids to get their trees from here,
Phillips said the month-long event began in 1986 and each year the proceeds raised are donated. Besides supporting the church, the proceeds will be split between St. Johns Episcopal Church in Pleasantville along with volunteer organizations such as the Chappaqua Boy Scouts, the Pleasantville International Association, and the Appalachia Service Program.
The proceeds will also benefit one special group, the Westlake High School wrestling team. Members of the wrestling team volunteered to unload the nearly 1300 trees that were shipped to the church from Canada. The boys were great with their help, said Tom Acheson, a member of the United Methodist Church and a volunteer with the tree sale since 1997.
From being involved with the sale for so long, Acheson said besides giving back to the community, his favorite part every year is spreading holiday spirit. Just dealing with all the people and their children every year is great especially when you see a kids face light up when they see how big a tree is, Acheson.
According to Phillips, around $10,000 in proceeds is raised every year to be split evenly among the organizations. Last year, Acheson said sales were down due to some rainy weather during the month of December which deterred residents from coming out. He said he hopes the weather elves will provide some better conditions this year.
Were praying, Acheson said.
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