By Kathryn Williams

When the Scarborough Rotary Club was founded in 1960, a local Christmas tradition was born. Following the example of other Rotary clubs, the new service group decided to sell Christmas trees to raise money for various local causes. It was a success, and 65 years later the sale is as much a tradition for local residents as club members. “Some people come to buy their tree, and tell us that they remember coming here as a child with their parents to buy their tree” said Past President Kathryn Williams.

Each season starts with moving the Rotary trailer to the site with everything the club needs for the event. Tree stands, made by past Rotarian John Messer, are moved into place and wooden racks, also made by club members, are assembled.

When the trees arrive from Fox Brand Trees near Houlton, Maine, Rotarians and friends unload them from a huge tractor trailer piled 10 feet high with 250 trees. This sets the stage for three weeks dedicated to price tags, carrying trees to cars, and greeting neighbors who come to buy their trees. Club members John and Richard Murphy have been selling Christmas trees to Scarborough families since the beginning.

For most buyers, this is an annual trip; many reminisce about coming to buy a tree with their parents years ago. There is one regular couple who bought their first tree from us the year they got married, and now bring their two kids with them to pick out the family tree.

We have trees for everyone: families with small children who love picking their special tree, newlyweds picking their first small tree, or college students home for Thanksgiving with orders to bring back the biggest Christmas tree possible.

Snow, rain, or shine, Rotarians are at the trailer selling trees. There is Christmas music, treats brought by Rotarians, hot chocolate from the Big Apple staff, and lots of Christmas spirit. It all ensures the volunteers and customers have fun.

Each year, the sale raises five to six thousand dollars. These funds stay in Scarborough and go primarily to scholarships for students heading to college or trade school. We also have other deserving projects such as the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards program, an immersive, four-day leadership camp for upcoming high school juniors.

The Rotary Interact Club for high school students at Scarborough High School have come out to help us. Also, some of the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards past attendees and the previous Academic Decathlon team members have come out to help us.

Consider joining Rotary for this annual event and the many other projects that put “Service Above Self.” Scarborough Rotary is a service club that helps make a difference in our community. 

For Scarborough Rotarians, the Christmas joy we see in each tree buyer is why we love our Christmas tree fundraiser – even when the trailer heater isn’t quite strong enough to keep us warm.

Kathryn Williams is a past president of Scarborough Rotary Club.