Many scout troops picking up Christmas trees Saturday, Jan 8

Photo by Carl Dinse

by Diane Hettrick

I previously posted a story about scout troops picking up Christmas trees curbside this Saturday, January 8. Because of my experience with the police blotters for Shoreline and LFP, I suggested that people not leave money with the tree, as was instructed on the envelope on my doorknob, but instead mail in their donation - and I gave the address for Troop 324.

Bruce Pyper, adult leader for Troop 317 in Lake Forest Park, says that there are many scout troops picking up trees in Shoreline and Lake Forest Park, and suggested nicely that not all the donations should be sent to one troop. (oops - Editor)

Read the hanger that was left on your doorstep. It will have an address or a phone number for information. If you cannot find the hanger or envelope, send the SAN your address and we'll find out where your donation should go.

Bruce said, "The troops are responsible for working with the other troops in the area to coordinate who is doing which neighborhood. This avoids 'custody battles' over the trees and any donations. The local Boy Scout Council (Chief Seattle Council) helps track who is doing which area, but it is still up to the troops work out the boundary lines."

"Each Boy Scout Troop is in charge of their own budget and fund raising to support themselves. Many troops in the area having been picking up Christmas trees for years to fund their activities. My troop, Troop 317, has been picking up trees for around 25 years. Troop 324 has been picking up for 18 years.

"Most troops time their pick up with when City of Shoreline is offering to recycle Christmas trees. This gives the troops someplace to take the trees they pick up. I don't have numbers to support it, but I would imagine that more trees are recycled as all people have to do is drag the tree to the curb. Traffic congestion at the tree recycling is also reduced as most troops bring in truck loads (think of a U-haul truck) of trees at a time. A "Win-Win-Win" for the city, tree owners, and Boy Scout Troops!

"Troop 317 has funded many hiking, kayak, or canoeing trips through picking up Christmas trees over the years. Trips to Boy Scout Summer Camp have also been paid for by trees picked up the winter before. Boys who have "graduated" from our troop years ago still remember picking up trees. They also remember the fun camp-outs the trees pay for. We look forward to continuing this tradition of recycling trees for many years."