Above: Leaders from Southborough Boy Scouts share how, thanks to those who supported the annual fundraiser, discarded Christmas trees were converted to “food, and a vehicle for funding youth programs, and a memorable day of service.” (photos contributed by Troop 1 with photo credit to local farmers)
[The following post is contributed by Southborough’s BSA Troop 1.]
Every January, Southborough residents face the same question: What do you do with a slowly wilting Christmas tree that’s shedding needles like it’s trying to make a break for it?
The answer, as it turns out, is simple — you sign up for the Troop 1’s Annual Christmas Tree Pick Up Fundraiser.
On Saturday, January 10, Southborough Troop 1 held its annual Christmas tree pick up, and once again the town showed up in force. The troop would like to extend a hearty, pine‑scented thank‑you to everyone who participated, and all the people who graciously signed up for our service and donated. We would like to specifically thank Mr. Steve Whynot for volunteering his time and truck, and Mr. Mike Alluzio from Alluzio Landscaping, who donated his service, truck, and trailer.
This year, Scouts and volunteers collected over 210 trees — a number impressive enough that several minivans are still recovering. About half of those trees were delivered to local farms, where goats and alpacas enjoyed what can only be described as an all‑you‑can‑eat evergreen buffet. The rest were brought to the transfer station, where the Department of Public Works staff chipped them.
The money raised through this fundraiser will help cover camping fees, replace aging equipment, and support the troop’s outdoor programs. More importantly, the day gave Scouts a hands-on lesson in teamwork, service, and the fine art of not getting poked in the face by a rogue branch.
“I would like to extend a huge thank you to all of our community that continues to support Troop 1, particularly in one of our biggest fundraisers, the tree pick up! We love the scouting program, giving youngsters the chance to grow, lead and serve their neighbors. We are grateful for our community that supports us in this endeavor.
Keep getting those renewable, natural trees, and we will take care of picking them up. But don’t forget to keep them watered! Some trees we picked up Saturday were quite crispy! “ — Ryan Henebury, Scoutmaster
Events like this remind us how much good can come from a simple tradition. A discarded Christmas tree becomes food, and a vehicle for funding youth programs, and a memorable day of service.
Southborough Troop 1 is grateful for your generosity, your participation, and your sense of humor as we haul your evergreens away one prickly armful at a time
