Every year for the past several decades, the Forestry Club has held its annual Christmas Tree Sale to raise proceeds toward yearly activities.

Located on a lot near Reiman Gardens, the sale has once again drawn back customers to buy a selection of trees, handmade wreaths and firewood. Wreaths range in price from $13 to $15, while trees range from $20 to $45.

“There’s a real faithful group of people that come back for repeat sales each year,” said Joe Colletti, associate professor of forestry and the Forestry Club’s adviser.

The sale requires students to plant, cut and prepare trees and firewood, as well as order other trees, weeks before the actual event, said Andy Hockenson, senior in forestry and club member.

Included in the sale are a variety of trees grown on plantations at the university, as well as balsam firs delivered from Wisconsin.

Many repeat customers mentioned the club’s unique selection and good customer service.

“We always buy our Christmas trees from here, particularly because they have these balsam firs,” said Walter Anderson, professor of physics and astronomy. “It’s the only place you can find them and I also like to support the students here at ISU.”

In addition to assisting customers with selection, students involved in the sale will cut and try to meet the customers’ specific needs.

“We’ll help people tie it on their car and have trees delivered to the elderly or for some people who can’t fit it in their car,” said Clint Miller, senior in forestry and the club’s co-chair.

Proceeds for the sale go toward numerous academic activities, as well as some charities and a forestry scholarship for the university.

“[This sale] is the Forestry Club’s primary moneymaker,” said Michael Kelly, forestry department chair.

Some activities supported by the sale include sending members to events, including the Midwest Forestry Conclave.

“The Conclave is an event where forestry students get together to go through some serious academic competition, as well as participate in old-time logging traditions,” said Colletti.

Other events that the sale will sponsor include Toys For Tots, opportunities for forestry students to attend Society of American Foresters National Convention and an awards and scholarship banquet for the Department of Forestry, Colletti said.

Many students involved in the Forestry Club came out to assist in the sale.

“[The sale] gets you more involved in the club. I got to know more upperclassmen by coming out.” said Reid Rupnow, sophomore in forestry.

One of the most important aspects of the sale is its service to the community, Colletti said.

“It’s a way for the young people to plug into the community and do something to benefit both the community and the university,” Colletti said.