Every fall for more than 30 years, the Iowa State Horticulture Club has brought a special service to students, faculty and the Ames community.

It started in the 1970s, when Jerry Deals, former ISU student in horticulture, had his father donate apples from their orchard to the club. Members of the organization used those apples to make and sell cider to students.

The club now sells apples that members get from their horticulture research plots, located two miles east of Gilbert, and from Holland Orchards in Cedar Rapids.

“[The apples] are definitely cheaper than the grocery store,” said Nicole Claeys, sophomore in horticulture. “They sell anywhere from 65 cents to 90 cents per pound.”

During the next three weekends, the Horticulture Club will be in Reiman Gardens selling apples and apple cider.

The times of the sales are as follows: Fridays from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Varieties for sale include Gala, Jona Gold, Cheiftain, Red Delicious and Golden Delicious.

“The sale is one of our biggest fund-raisers,” said Steve Jonas, junior in horticulture.Claeys said the money they earn from the fund-raiser goes toward special trips and events the club sponsors during the semester.

“Right now, we are using the money to improve our facilities,” Claeys said. “We are trying to put new benches in the greenhouse this semester.”

Other club fund-raisers include poinsettia sales during the month of December and pumpkin sales the last weekend in October. Most of the sales take place in Beardshear Hall and the Memorial Union.

“Last year we raised $1,100 for the club,” Jonas said of the apple sale. “We’re trying to raise over $3,000 this year.”

Any questions about the apple sale can be directed to Claeys at 572-1185.