From the day after Thanksgiving to the week of Christmas, Our Lady of Grace men’s club hosts its Christmas tree lot to ignite holiday cheer and raise funds for the affiliated school, local youth programs and the greater community.
“What is special about the community is that there is a wonderful common bond that starts in Edina at [Our Lady of Grace], but actually spreads beyond that,” member and former president of the club Dick Ward says.
Comprised of over 250 members, the men’s club is a volunteer-based organization that promotes spiritual and social interest across the metro.
For the Christmas tree lot, the group recruits additional help from other church members and also community volunteers, equating to nearly 300 participants.
Since everything is volunteer based, it allows all of the proceeds to be contributed back to where it is truly needed, men’s club member Chip Fuhrmann says.
Since they specialize in larger trees, upwards of 16 feet, the group annually donates the tree displayed at 50th and France. They also deliver donated or purchased trees to peoples’ homes. In addition to the sale of freshly cut Frasier, Canaan, Balsam and white pines from central Minnesota, there are also wreaths, garland, porch pots and decorative birch logs for sale.
However, holiday décor isn’t the only thing the group strives for—they also lend a hand to those in need by collecting gently-used or new winter gear such as jackets, boots, hats, gloves, scarves along with new packages of diapers at the lot to help support other local organizations.
“When people come in, they need to know that there is a lot of good benefit going out.”
Purchase your holiday tree or décor from November 29th - December 13th
Weekdays from 4–8 p.m.
Saturday from 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
Sunday 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
