Optimist Club Spreads Holiday Cheer in North Augusta with Christmas Tree Lot

The Optimist Club Christmas Tree Lot: A North Augusta Tradition

AUGUSTA, Ga. – The Optimist Club Christmas Tree Lot in North Augusta has been a beloved holiday spot for over 20 years. This year, changes were necessary as the lot faced challenges regarding debris removal but the spirit of the season remains strong.

Joanna Arnold, an officer with the Optimist Club, shared insights into this year’s operation: ‘When we set up the lot this year, they were bringing trucks, actively bringing trucks in, unloading the debris.’ Despite this, the Club continues its mission of creating holiday joy.

Community Support and Continued Tradition

Community engagement has played a vital role in ensuring the success of the lot. Arnold noted, ‘We’ve had a lot of our regulars who have come back, but we have had people reach out to social media to say, “Hey, where are you all going to be this year?”’ This interaction highlights the strong connection the lot has with its community.

Proceeds from the sale of Christmas trees contribute significantly to local initiatives. Arnold elaborated on this, stating, ‘All of our activities go towards youth-related things in the community.’ This includes scholarships for high school seniors and community events such as an Easter egg hunt.

Supporting Those Affected by Hurricane Helene

This year, buyers can also offer support to communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. Arnold mentioned, ‘Our trees come from western North Carolina, and that’s definitely one of the things that people in this area have wanted is to be able to support those people in some way.’ This initiative underscores an additional layer of community solidarity during the holiday season.

Looking Ahead to the Holidays

Opening day was a success, with nearly 40% of the largest trees sold, and Arnold encourages residents to come out and join in the festivities. ‘We have had multiple generations come back year after year,’ she remarked. ‘We love being able to be a part of that and just kind of give people a little joy, especially this year in the midst of everything that’s happened.’