The air is crisp and cold, groups of students and sports teams are raising money and the spirit of giving is in the air. It’s fundraising season! During the holidays, the LO community starts up their annual fundraisers. 

For years, one of the most popular fundraisers is the Troop 127 Christmas Tree Lot. Annually, hundreds of families show up at George Rogers Park to buy a Christmas tree. They have been selling Christmas trees since 1947, according to their website. Troop 127 has had a tradition of selling trees at George Rogers for 63 years. Proceeds made are contributions to pay for scout trips and adventures, such as summer camps. 

With COVID-19 in mind, there have been some minor adjustments with the way the fundraiser is run. Grant Croteau, a Junior from LOHS, regularly works at Tree Lot during the holidays. He states that “Everyone has to wear masks even though it’s outside. Social distancing is strictly enforced as well. Other than that, things are relatively the same.”

When asked about his experience with the tree lot fundraiser, Freshman Finn Rolstad said, “Yeah I enjoy tree lot, this year wasn’t as fun, no stove, no snacks, no getting a bench.”

However, there are other fundraisers being held as well. The Lakeridge Basketball Teams are selling wreaths and centerpieces to help fund the sports teams.

LHS sophomore Raime Reid has participated in selling for the last two years. She claimed that fundraisers look a little different this year with COVID as well. She stated that “We hand deliver them to your door. We wear masks and socially distance when we deliver your order to you.”