Citrus County Parks and Recreation has opened the Adopt-a-Tree program- the annual cause that community members can join to donate Christmas trees to families in need. Here’s how it works: it’s $20 for one fresh Christmas tree and you may adopt as many as you would like.

Adopt-a-Tree Continues Tradition of a Festive Christmas Event that Helps Families in Need

You must purchase the tree or trees no later than December 2nd and there will be a tree trimming ceremony on Friday, December 13th from 2 to 5 pm at Central Ridge Community Park located at 952 Lake Beverly Drive, where the best trees will then be judged in a contest and receive trophies. Bring decorations to trim your tree or pay an extra $25 for the elves to decorate it for you. No glass or food ornaments, please! They mean it- the glass breaks and the wildlife will get into the food ornaments. The trees will remain on display for a couple of days for the community to admire before being delivered to families previously chosen by local nonprofit organizations.

“We’re excited to reintroduce the Adopt-a-Tree program to the community this holiday season and we’re doing something new this year,” said Andrea Cuccaro, the division’s Recreation Program Specialist. “At sundown, after the tree trimming contest closes, Parks and Recreation will host a free holiday movie in the park: The Polar Express. Folks are welcome to just show up for the film, too,” she added. “We’ll have the Frosty Freeze food truck on hand selling warm drinks and food,” Cuccaro concluded.

The Adopt-a-Tree program offers a low price for tree sponsors that is part of a ten-year partnership with Lowe’s. Manager Tim Graff at Lowe’s helped to initiate the program several years ago. The Beverly Hills Craftsman’s Guild has been manufacturing and installing the Christmas tree stands. “The Guild performs this service as a means to support the county,” said Dan Creamer of the Guild.

To adopt your tree, or for more information, call the Citrus County Parks and Recreation office at (352) 527-7540.