Tree Sales

This weekend will mark the beginning of our annual tree sales.

As earlier stated, we are hoping the trees will becoming in this Sunday afternoon (21st) (delivered by truck), but the date and time are not definitely set at this moment (it could be on the 20th). When we receive the final word from the driver, Dr. Hamilton will start the notification process via the phone and internet.

Wear work gloves and dress for the weather. A parent should assist the Scout to increase our numbers and make the job of unloading 400 + tree easier. We will be at the same location as last year at the Bluf Park United Methodist Church. Thanks in advance to everyone who participates.

As many of you know, Troop 21 has been selling Christmas trees in Bluff Park for more than 40 years. This is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Troop and the profits from the trees and wreaths allow us to provide the requirements for assuring the continuing success of our program.

You might not realize it, but it takes a great deal of funding to keep Troop 21 running. Profits are spent for items such as camping equipment, insurance, bus, truck, and building maintenance and utilities, and underwriting many trip expenses/requirements to keep costs down for the families. As you know, we are one of the few Troops in the Greater Alabama Council with a bus, all of our equipment, and a private building.

We will set the lot up beginning at 7:30 AM November 26th, with the Scouts and as many parents/leaders as possible.

This year’s sale will take place officially at Noon on November 26th and run through possibly December 19th ( or sooner), in the area in the vicinity of the parking lot of Bluff Park United Methodist Church. Hours are Monday through Friday from 4PM -8PM, Saturday from 8AM-8PM and Sunday from Noon to 8PM. Shifts are assigned by Mr. Simon Ng posted on the Troop Web Site. To make the Christmas tree sales a success, each Scouting family has been assigned three time slots on the schedule. A couple of reminders:
•A parent should always accompany the Scout for a work shift. This is a family shift not a Scout shift.
•If you see that your family is unable to work your scheduled time, we ask that you take the responsibility to swap with another family. Please inform the group leader of the shift if you make a swap. Please be prompt in coming to the lot and call the shift leader if you are going to be late.
• Please plan to help out if possible beginning with starting with the Lot set up. The busiest times are normally on the weekends…feel free to come by or drop of the Scout to pitch in on sales, trimming the trees, collecting the money, or filling the lot as trees are sold.
•We will take the lot down on December 19th ( or sooner and as announced) starting at noon. All hands are again needed to expedite the process.
•On the set up day we will need Scouts and Leaders to distribute the leaflets we normally distribute to the larger, new home developments/communities..we will need a few leaders to set up a banner at critical intersections in our area during heavy traffic periods for advertising the first few days we are set up.
•Tree lot rules, information, phone numbers, and other information will be posted in the tree sales office located on the lot.

The Lot Schedule (thanks to Mr. Simon) is published on the Troop Web Site (Thanks to Mr. Simon). Please post it for the Scout and the family to read.

Thanks in advance for your help with the Wreath and Christmas tree sales. Working together, this effort will be a success as always!

YiS Dan Strunk
Scoutmaster “Delivering the Promise”