Pinckneyville Optimist Club live Christmas tree sales no longer cover total cost of Toys for Needy Kids project

The Pinckneyville Optimist Club has kicked off the annual "Toys for Needy Kids" project and will has started selling Christmas trees as a part of the fund raising effort.

In the past 41 years, the Optimists have given toys to hundreds of children living in the area. At one time, profits from the sale of the Christmas trees took care of the toys for the kids. However, as the numbers of our less fortunate children increased and the demand for live trees decreased, the organization had to look at additional ways of meeting the requirement. Accordingly, the organization went to the community and requested money or new/ good used toys from anyone wishing to make the donation.

Greg Hale, Optimist Club president, stated "The area residents, corporations, church groups and civic organizations have been very generous and supportive. They keep coming through as our numbers keep going up."

The Optimists have purchased a limited number of trees as part of the Christmas tree sales. Persons wanting one of those trees should visit the tree lot early because they are expected to sell quickly. Christmas trees can be purchased east of the courthouse square. The tree lot will be open weekdays, starting Friday, Nov. 28 from 5 - 7:30 p.m. and from 12 noon - 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday until the trees are sold out. Trees may be selected and purchased at other times by paying for the item at Murphy-Wall Bank or Dr. Grasso's office.

Again this year, the organization will be looking for new or good used toys and anyone wishing to donate these toys may drop them off at Kellerman's True-Value Hardware store, the Dairy Queen or Dr. Grasso's office, near Murphy Wall Bank. The Pinckneyville Dollar General Store will also have a drop box for new toys.

Monetary donations may also be made to the organization and forwarded to: Pinckneyville Optimist Club, Post Office Box 181, Pinckneyville, IL 62274.