As the holiday season approaches, Binney Park in Old Greenwich prepares to welcome back a festive annual visitor. Just across Sound Beach Avenue, on the front lawn of First Congregational Church, the 2019 Christmas Tree & Wreath Sale will get underway on Saturday, November 30.
Every purchase comes with a purpose as all the funds raised through the sale with be given to six vital local charities: Kids in Crisis, The Den for Grieving Kids, the Young Adults Program at Pacific House, Soundwaters Young Mariners Academy, Building One Community, and Mothers For Others.”
Legions of volunteers from the church and the surrounding community will gather at 8:00 am to unload over 500 New Hampshire-grown trees off the long flatbed delivery truck and onto display racks on the front lawn of the church at 108 Sound Beach Avenue. “Hot chocolate and donuts will be on hand to keep up the energy for the unloading crew,” said Pat Mendelsohn, Outreach Chairperson at First Church. “We’re grateful for all the wonderful folks who come out early on a Saturday morning to show their commitment to supporting local charities.”
November 30, 2019, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
December 1, 2019, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
December 7, 2019, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm
December 8, 2019, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
December 14, 2019, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm, if needed
The sale itself will begin as soon as the trees have been unloaded, at about 9:00 am. It will feature premium Fraser Fir and Balsam Fir trees of all sizes, plus beautifully decorated and undecorated wreaths, natural pine roping and premium quality “Last Stand” tree stands. All proceeds of the sale will go directly to six local organizations meeting critical needs serving families: Kids in Crisis, The Den for Grieving Kids, the Young Adults Program at Pacific House, Soundwaters Young Mariners Academy, Building One Community, and Mothers For Others.
Trees and wreaths will be offered for sale on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm and on Sundays from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, beginning November 30. In recent years, the sale has grown into a traditional community event, staffed with volunteers of all ages, including church members, ambassadors from the benefiting charities and students from Greenwich public and private schools.
“What makes our tree sale so special is that buying a fresh cut Christmas tree, beautiful wreath or pine roping for your family is a gift that keeps on giving to those in need, long after the holidays are over,” said Mendelsohn, adding, “All of the profits from the sale go to support local charities that are addressing critical needs.”
The Tree Sale is scheduled for three weekends, ending Saturday, December 14, but in recent years most of the trees and wreaths have sold during the first two weekends.
“Most people in the community know about our tree sale by now,” said Pat Geismar, Community Relations Chair at First Church. “They love the convenience of picking out a high-quality tree right in the neighborhood, so we get very busy soon after Thanksgiving. We urge people to come early to find the perfect tree for their Christmas celebration.”
First Congregational Church Lawn is located at 108 Sound Beach Avenue, Old Greenwich