DAPHNE, Ala.— Eastern Shore Sertoma Club members hope you’ll spread holiday cheer by buying one of their Christmas trees, the proceeds of which will help fund various causes within the county.

The Christmas tree lot—which opened yesterday beside the Fastime service station on the corner of U.S. Highway 98 and Santa Rosa Avenue—is all about giving back to the community, according to Stephen Baker, the club’s publicity chairman. 

“It’s our big fundraiser; we do it every year,” he said, of the club’s 20-plus-year tradition—of which 100 percent of the profits benefit various causes.

“Recently, we gave $1,000 to the (Daphne) YMCA during the summer for their youth program; in the past we’ve supported the Boys and Girls Club,” said Earl Blackmon, the club’s past president. “The other thing that we do is we support the education enrichment foundations in Daphne, Fairhope and Spanish Fort (Supporting Educational Enrichment in Daphne’s Schools, Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation and Spanish Fort Education Enrichment Foundation).” 

One of the club’s key causes is the foster kids program under the Alabama Department of Human Resources.

“We’ve given at least $500 a quarter to the foster kids program,” Blackmon said.

The club also supports the United Way and Ecumenical Ministries Inc., Baker said.

The Christmas tree lot is open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 12 to 6 p.m., Sunday, until 400-plus Fraser firs—ranging from 6- to 12-feet tall—have been bought.

Know another organization spreading holiday cheer through fundraisers or service?

Tell the Daphne Bulletin:

E-mail: bulletin@gulfcoastnewspapers.com

Phone: 626-9300 (lines open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.)