Neighbors, friends, and family came to support the YMCA of the Foothills’ Tree Lot this year, buying over 1,400 trees and making a direct impact on the Y’s teen programming.
Each tree purchased supports the young adults’ vibrant growth and potential as the funds from Tree Lot allow the Y to provide financial assistance to those interested in participating in the organization’s Model United Nations, PILOTs and Youth & Government programs. This year’s Tree Lot, in partnership with J’s Maids, Gomez Landscaping, and Kiwanis Club of La Cañada, raised over $235,000, making 2023 one of the most successful years in its 59 years of hosting the annual event.
The YMCA Tree Lot has brought the Christmas spirit to the community since 1964. Carl Meseck, a YMCA professional who went on to become the CEO of the Glendale Y and became known as “Mr. Snowman” for his love of Christmas trees, developed the program as a creative way to raise funds and bring Christmas cheer to his community. Decades later, Meseck is still stirring up that holiday wonder in the hundreds of guests who come to visit the lot and continue to make tree lot part of their annual Christmas tradition.
One of the three areas of impact the Y serves is youth development with the intent of empowering young people to reach their full potential through education and leadership. Those greeting and assisting Tree Lot guests were local high school students in the Y’s youth in business program and youth and government delegates, all gaining business management skills during their shifts.
First published in the December 28 print issue of the Outlook Valley Sun.
