YMCA branches into Christmas tree biz

The scent, spirit and foliage of the holidays came early to the Crescenta-Cañada Family YMCA this year, with the Nov. 30 opening of the Y’s Christmas tree lot. Proceeds from the sales of trees and lawn ornaments will benefit the Y’s Youth and Government program as well as other services for youth. Teens are helping out at the lot after school and workers report that sales have been brisk, even though Christmas is still a few weeks away.

The YMCA’s Craig Strazzeri said the region is home to a few Clark Griswold types, referring to the Chevy Chase character from “Christmas Vacation” who is eager to lash a too-large tree on top of a too-small car and then stuff it into his living room. He said each year the lot raises between $50,000 and $60,000 for youth programs.

The Y’s Cindy Elgin said working on the lot is a good job. “It’s fun being here because of the spirit of Christmas. At night it is fun to because the kids are here helping out, and it’s all for a good cause.”

The lot is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day through Dec. 21.

-- Bill Kisliuk, Times Community News

Twitter: @bkisliuk