Tree sale raises money for backpack food program

The Tree Lot Sale Saturday at Thermopolis Middle School featured 20 trees, a variety of wreaths and other Christmas décor offered at silent auction.

The sale is a fundraiser for the People for People Backpack Program, which provides kids in need with food to see them through the weekends.

Judy Carswell, with People for People, explained they utilize donated trees and wreaths, many of which come from people throughout the year and then the remainder are purchased.

The weekend before the sale, the trees are put up and decorated by volunteers. Carswell explains there is a story behind each tree. The Cowpokes 4-H tree featured all handmade ornaments made by the members. Lily Hayes decorated a paper doll themed tree. Hayes spent hours playing paper dolls with her sisters as a child. Jennifer Miller donated a tree decorated with ornaments which all belonged to her mother. Miller topped the tree with a purple ribbon to show awareness for Alzheimers.

The high selling tree was the outdoor themed antler tree made by Carswell and her family featuring antlers, handmade ornaments and a pinecone tree topper.

There were several wreaths of various themes and other décor available also.

The event raised over $4,000 for the backpack program which is in it's third year. Carswell said about $10,000 to $12,000 is spent annually on the program.