The Christmas Tree that Keeps on Giving

Reeves-Reed Arboretum has collaborated with three local organizations to combine two of the annual holiday season's most celebrated elements: the act of giving and the tradition of choosing the perfect Christmas tree.

This December, you'll not only have the chance to find yourself a festive Christmas tree, but all proceeds of tree and wreath sales purchased at the Reeves-Reed Arboretum will be shared equally among the following community organizations: the Summit Area YMCA, SAGE Eldercare, and the Colonial Crossroads Chapter of the American Red Cross.

This is the first year that the arboretum has organized such a benefit.

"We are an arboretum and an arboretum is filled with trees. We thought it would be a nice opportunity to reach out to the community and have the community help out with the non-profits," said Ellen Donovan, the Development Director at Reeves-Reed.

By purchasing this year's Christmas tree from Union County's only arboretum, you'll also be supporting the environment. The fir trees, which are imported from Canada, have been sustainably grown using organic fertilizers and integrated pest management.

Both Balsam and Fraser Fir varieties are available for sale at Reeves-Reed, in addition to a selection of Balsam wreaths. Trees are 6 to 8 feet tall and wreaths are formed on 16-inch rings, totaling 28-30 inches in diameter. 

Trees and other seasonal greens are on sale at the Reeves-Reed Arboretum from now until December 20. Volunteers will be available on site to trim and load trees for customers.

According to the arboretum's Web site, Reeves-Reed is also accepting monetary donations to the "tree fund" for those who may not be interested in buying a tree but would still like to contribute to the community cause.

Donovan urged residents to spread the word about the benefit sales, adding, "We hope residents will come out and support their local non-profits."