Photo by KAREN DOLL Volunteers at St. Raphael's Church Christmas tree lot are from left, Mike Bonnette Sr., Anthony Padula, Richrd Salyers, Reggie Valentine, and Sean Morales.

St. Raphael Church continued its tradition of selling Fraser Fir Christmas

trees for the 15th year on Black Friday last month for the Lehigh community

this year and will keep its tent open until Dec. 22 for those who wish

to purchase a tree.

Oscar Gamble, program director of the Christmas Tree sales and vice

president of the renaissance committee for St. Raphael Church said he began

donating his time selling Christmas trees for the church five years ago.

He said since times are especially tough this year, the church decided to

continue to sell Christmas trees, so they could raise funds to help collect

some small assistance for the church.

Gamble said everyone who is involved in selling the Christmas trees are all

volunteers, so the funds that are raised with the Fraser Fir sales goes

directly back into the church.

The big white tent, which is located in the rear parking lot of St. Raphael

Church at 2514 Lee Blvd., is open for business from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on

Saturday and Sunday and from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Gamble explained that in the past the church brought in more trees when the

demand was bigger from their customers. Now he said they purchase trees that he knows his customers wish to purchase, which equals out to a combination of both small and big Christmas trees.

“I sell them for the same price, so I have kept my prices the same,” he

said. The Fraser Firs sell for as low as $35 for a three or four-foot tree

that comes with a tree stand, Gamble said. He said that his most expensive

tree stands 11 feet tall and costs $115.

“They are very thick, nice full trees that look really nice,” Gamble said.

Gamble explained that the church only buys class one Fraser Fir Christmas

trees because they are premium Christmas trees that are fuller and they last

longer.

“We tend to buy the better tree,” he said.

As soon as they receive their delivery, the volunteers immediately start

watering them and placing them in stands so their customers receive a nice

Christmas tree.

Gamble said the church community has really enjoyed “being the Christmas

tree people” over the years.

“We really enjoy it, our way of doing stuff for the community,” he said.

Gamble said he enjoys selling the Christmas trees also because it is his way

of giving back to the community.

“It is my way of giving back right before Christmas,” Gamble said, adding

that he enjoys giving instead of receiving. It is my way of saying ‘Happy

Birthday Jesus.'”

For more information call 369-1831.