Community Conversations: Scouts of America help Central Oregonians recycle their Christmas trees
Lynsey Harris
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — When the holiday lights come down and Christmas trees start shedding their needles, the Scouts of America are stepping in to help Central Oregon recycle responsibly.
Scouts from across Central Oregon are once again offering their annual Christmas tree recycling program, collecting used trees from the community and ensuring they are turned into bark chips or mulch instead of ending up in the landfill.
The effort provides a convenient service for residents while giving scouts a hands-on opportunity to give back. While the work is generally manageable, some of the larger trees can be a challenge to load and transport, scouts said.
There is a suggested donation of $13.50 for the pickup, though organizers say community members are welcome to give more if they are able.
Funds raised through the program help support Troops throughout the year, covering costs for summer camps, gear and equipment. Donations can also be credited to individual scouting accounts to help offset the cost of camp for participating scouts.
Beyond the fundraising, scouts say the program is also about connection and experience. Many enjoy meeting new people and working together, while others say one of the highlights is seeing families and younger kids out enjoying the snow during pickup day.
Visit takeyourtree.com for more information.