“Buy a Tree. Change a Life.,” a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children globally and locally through an annual Christmas tree sale, will open in Lee University’s Schimmel’s Park on Saturday Nov. 23, at 1 p.m.
“We aren’t really selling trees, we are giving opportunities for people to give and support hope,” said Lee University’s Dr. William Lamb, director of the Leonard Center. “Yes, the trees have a minimum price, but we believe people will pay much more than a tree is worth, because hope is worth more.”
“Buy a Tree. Change a Life.” started in 2012 when a Florida congregation sold Christmas trees to help with the adoption costs for a family in their church, raising $25,000 during the first year.
Through a direct partnership with People for Care and Learning and Serving Orphans Worldwide, the tree fundraising now provides education, care, mentoring, food, clothing, and housing for children's homes, learning centers, schools, families, and feeding programs across the world.
“I have been a sponsor of this fundraiser since before there were sites in the Cleveland area,” said Richie Hughes, Lee alum and sponsor of “Buy a Tree. Change a Life.” “I’ve always thought it was a great cause, and I’m excited to see how the new location in Cleveland will contribute to PCL’s mission.”
Every penny raised goes to support a cause, and to date, over 2 million dollars has been given away to those in need. As of this year, participating churches have expanded across 17 states in the country.
The Christmas tree sale will continue until trees run out. Opening day hours are 1-9 p.m. From Nov. 24 until all trees are sold, the site will be open noon to 9 p.m.
For more information about PCL, visit https://www.pcl.is/.
For more information about the project or the grand opening, visit http://www.buyatreecleveland.com.