This program works great as it's own Fall fundraising program, or combined with your current wreath sales to double the profits from your fundraising efforts in one easy introduction. If your kids, or members, already have their usual Holiday wreath customers, this year they can ask if they would also be interested in having a freshly cut Christmas tree delivered also. If each person sells just three or four to their usual wreath customers, additional profits can easily reach thousands of dollars. That's money that can be spent on special projects or trips, just to lower the cost of participation for it's members, or as an addition to the yearly charitable pledges of service organizations. This program has been used successfully already in some areas of the country, now with it's current new organization, it's available to be offered to all parts of the United States. The photo above is one of our Noble Firs. Some other things to consider about this program:

• Orders are due by Oct. 15 so the tree farms can get them ready for prompt shipping in time for the holiday season. Organizations keep their portion and have their profits before they even send off the orders! Also you will not be competing with other tree lots at that time and your trees will arrive about the time that most of the tree lots have just set up.
  
• The Christmas trees we use, Noble Firs and Douglas Firs, are grown in Oregon by the best tree growers in the in the country, using the latest in environmentally sound methods. By using these proven resources we are able to ensure the quality and consistency or all of our trees , and also that we will have enough to supply our entire yearly campaign. Their websites are McKenzie Farms and B.T.N. Farms of Oregon.
  
• Trees are 100% recyclable into mulch and biodegradable. Most communities have a free pick-up day.
  
• Most wreaths unfortunately aren't eligible for recycling due to high content of plastic and wires.
• The trees are cut and shipped immediately, so customers are almost guaranteed the freshest Christmas tree they have ever had. They are never allowed to freeze while sitting on a lot, waiting for someone to buy them. So there are no falling needles to bother with, and they all have a wonderful fresh pine scent. Customers are sure to seek out your organization next year for another tree.
  
• Kids and adults will love delivering the trees. Everyone loves Christmas trees and the look of surprise when people discover the wonderful product they purchased from your organization will provide lasting memories forever.
• Everyone with our group, Santa's Little Helper's, has had a background check and we love working with the non-profit organizations who do such wonderful work in their communities.
• Clubs could also offer the chance for customers to purchase and donate the trees to nursing homes, military families, or people who cannot afford a tree, promoting further good will and excellant PR.

Frequently asked questions:

What if a customer isn't happy with the tree they received? There will be extra trees shipped with each truck, they can exchange their tree for one of the extras. If that is not possible, SLH's will see they they are sent a new tree asap (Fedex) at our expense, or we will return their money. In any event all original profits from the fundraiser will be kept by the organization.
What if people want to pick their own tree? Have the person who sold them the tree call them and let them know when and where the truck is arriving. When the trucks are unloaded they can choose the individual tree they like from the groups as long as it is the size and variety they ordered.
What if the customer wants to buy a tree so that the organization can make it's profit, but not take delivery because they traditionally pick out the tree together as a family? Then the tree can be donated to local charities, nursing homes, military families, the United Way, etc. The organization can use the situation to supply trees to families who would not be getting one that year. That would be great public relations and a rewarding experience for all of it's members.
Why Douglas Firs and Noble Firs from Oregon? 80% of all Christmas trees sold each year are grown in Oregon because they have the perfect growing seasons. The Douglas and Noble Firs are considered almost perfect Christmas trees due to their needle retention, strong limbs, and heavy Pine scent. We will be the preferred customers of the two tree farms we use, and will be getting only their best trees because our orders will have already been paid for. Using these resources we will be ensured of the quality and consistency that we require for this operation.
Is this a mail order program? No this is not any type of mail order program. The trees are simply pre-sold using our order forms, then they are shipped out by truck, and brought to a nearby location where club members can complete the delivery to the customers.
How do the trees get from the trucks to the customers? The trees are delivered to a place where your club would like to have them unloaded, possibly at a club members church, a school, or business, anyplace a truck can get in, unload and turn around again. A few volunteer club members will need to help unload them from a truck and arrange them according to size and variety. You can either call the customers and have them arrange to pick them up, or if club members, or their parents if it's a youth fundraiser, have pickups or trailers, they can help deliver them. They will be baled, or wrapped, by twine so they are easier to transport. You possibly might be able to get three or four in the trunk of a car, or a hatchback, if needed. You will have a few weeks between the end of the sales until the truck arrives, so there will be ample time to find the best way to deliver the trees for your group.