Recycle Trees For Schools

Thu., Dec. 24, 1998

By Marny Lombard marnyl@spokesman.com (509) 927-2166

Leftover Christmas trees aren’t good for much except helping high school band students around the Spokane Valley.

Three of four high schools in the Valley are running tree recycling operations in coming weeks.

Central Valley, University and West Valley high school bands have set drop-off spots for those tired old trees. Cost is $3 to drop off a tree. For $5, a team of students will pick up your tree.

The money raised will help the musicians travel to spring festivals and help pay off bills from last fall.

The trees will be chipped and become mulch for a local farmer.

“It takes a lot of student support, a lot of people manning the sites, or driving trucks, or dragging trees to the chipper,” said U-Hi band director Keith Nielson. “But for just two weekends’ work, it’s a really good and easy fund-raiser.”

Nielsen estimated last year’s recycling operation raised about $4,600 for the U-Hi band, which has about 83 members. This year’s proceeds will help pay for a trip to the Tri-Cities this spring and travel to Montana from this fall.

West Valley High School’s band, with about 95 members, plans to perform in Victoria, British Columbia, this spring. Proceeds from the fund-raiser will help pay for expenses on that trip.

Times and dates for dropping off trees are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Jan. 2 and 3; also Jan. 9 and 10. Here’s information on the drop-off sites: West Valley drop-off sites are West Valley High School, West Valley administrative building, Pasadena Park Elementary School and the Circle K at 9119 E. Broadway. Call 928-2333 for tree pickup service.

University High drop-off sites are University High School, University, Broadway and Chester elementary schools, and 44th and Sands. Call 922-6848 for tree pickup.

Central Valley drop-off sites are Central Valley High School and McDonald, Progress, Sunrise and Liberty Lake elementary schools. For pickup, call 922-6819.

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