The Scotts Valley Christmas Tree Lot Opens Saturday

The Scotts Valley Educational Foundation Christmas Tree Lot, now in its sixth year, opens Saturday, Nov. 26,  at 10 a.m., and there will be trees and wreaths galore.

At least 380 Douglas and Noble Fir trees have been ordered, and all proceeds from the sales go to the Scotts Valley Unified School District. 

The SVEF Christmas Tree lot is one of the biggest fundraising events of the year, and last year it raised around $10,000 for the four schools in the district.

“The Educational Foundation has been focused on covering shortfalls for funding to really critical instruction needs,” said Allison Niday, President of the SVEF.

This year the Educational Foundation raised $55,000 to keep the libraries open, and $44,000 to reinstate and expand counseling services in the elementary, middle, and high schools in Scotts Valley. 

“We were down to about one counselor that was split between the high school and the middle school, now we have added eight hours a week at each elementary, and we’ve added eight hours at the middle and high schools," Niday said. 

The Educational Foundation also helps raise funds for the schools’ technology needs, raising $30,000 this year for new laptops and high speed internet.

“Instead of providing funding for individual needs at each site, we try to look at what the needs are across the district, with a focus on art, music, technology, and libraries,” said Niday of the organization which has been helping out Brook Knoll Elementary, Vine Hill Elementary, Scotts Valley Middle School and Scotts Valley High School since 1983. 

Every year, the Scotts Valley Kiwanis Club helps by setting up tents, electricity and unloading and cutting the trees—a big undertaking, according to Niday. Local youth have also played a big role in helping to run the lot each year.

“Not only is it a great thing for the public, you’d be surprised at how many kids sign up to work,” said Niday of the middle and high school students who volunteer their community service hours at the Christmas Tree lot.

Tree prices range from $25-$75, depending on the height of the tree. 

The Christmas Tree lot is located at 5060 Scotts Valley Dr., and opens this Saturday, Nov. 26 at 10 a.m. Until the trees are gone, the lot will be open: 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sundays.