Simi Y‘s Men’s Club Christmas Tree Lot Opens November 30

The Simi Valley Family YMCA will begin selling Christmas trees on November 30. The Simi Valley Y's Men's Club, a YMCA service organization, runs the tree lot. Members from the group volunteer at the lot along with YMCA board members and Adventure Guide youth and their parents.

Tree sale proceeds go to community nonprofits as well as to YMCA programs including camps and afterschool care.

Last year, the Y sold about 800 trees. The first delivery of 400 trees will arrive November 30, the same day they go on sale. Volunteers will unload the trees and immediately get them ready for display. A variety of trees types, between 5' and 9' tall, will be available. "Our tree lot is always very festive and family oriented," says John Manchester, a Y's Men's member who has volunteered, along with his family, at the tree lot for three years. "We love every minute of it. Everyone has a great time. Kids who volunteer learn responsibility and the joy of helping others. "

The Simi Y has been selling Christmas trees since the 1970s. Trees come from Oregon and are packed in ice to keep them fresh. The Y sells between 700 and 800 trees each year. As in years past, Simi YMCA staff will identify families who may not be able to afford a Christmas tree and give them vouchers for a free tree from the lot. Last year, the Y gave away 15 trees.

Christmas tree lot hours are 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The tree lot is located at the Simi YMCA (3200 Cochran St., corner of Galena Ave. and Cochran St., in Simi Valley). Five-dollar-off coupons are available at the Y’s front desk. For more information, call 805-583-5338.