If you grew up several decades ago, there's a good chance you didn't get your Christmas tree from a store. You got it outside, either freshly cut from a lot or you brought a saw and cut it down yourself.
That tradition, like many, has fell by the wayside in recent years. But don't tell that to the local Optimist Club - they've been carrying on the tradition for at least 60 years. It's been so long they don't remember exactly when they started.
As we recently reported, they're again selling real trees at the corner of Dunklin and Broadway streets daily from 9 a.m.-7 p.m.
But, although they have no plans to quit selling the trees in the future, this will be the last year they'll be at this location, which is where they've sold trees for decades. Next year they plan to move the operation to the Hawthorn Bank parking lot across the street.
If you've never had a live tree, it's an experience you should try at least once if for nothing more than the fresh pine smell.
Real trees support the farms that grow them, and these farms benefit the environment by absorbing carbon dioxide and creating a habitat for animals, among other things. They're renewable and recyclable, and don't go to landfills like artificial trees.
The biggest reason to buy a real tree from the Optimist Club, however, is because of what it does for our community. Since the club was founded in 1946, it has existed to help area youth.
The Optimist Sports Complex is thanks to the group, and it's work has benefited Special Olympics Missouri, Boys and Girls State, the Boys & Girls Club of Jefferson City, and the Jefferson City High School Baseball Booster Club, among others.
If you haven't put up a tree yet, consider buying one from the Optimists. You'll be reliving an old-time Christmas tradition, while helping a local organization that continues to give so much to the youth in our community.
News Tribune