Optimists selling Christmas trees as fundraiser

There are many tall tales about the Optimist Club and their adventures in the Christmas tree business over the last 49 years. Ben Kunibe, the ultimate Optimist, who was a member when the SLT Optimist Club first formed, was there when the club first sold trees at the Nevada Lumber Company in 1968. You can still feel his presence and joyful attitude at the new location – Highway 50 and Lakeview Avenue in South Lake Tahoe.

The Optimist have free popcorn and hot chocolate for the kids (young and old alike) as families roam through the rows of trees, searching for their perfect tree.

The net proceeds are given back to the community for youth organizations and youth programs.

Some of our volunteers are members of youth organizations themselves – organizations that the Optimist Club supports during the year.  The STHS wrestling team for example brings their muscles to help move the trees.

In the early years, the club members went out into the forest and cut many of the trees that were sold.

If you are interested in learning more about the Optimist Club, come down to the tree lot or contact Terry Powers 530.544.5025.

The lot is open Monday-Friday noon-7pm and weekends from 10am-7pm.