The Optimists continue a wonderful annual tradition and outreach project. photo by Matt Spampinato
The Optimist Club of Monaco South sells Christmas trees to support local schools.
Each year, the Optimist Club of Monaco South runs a Christmas tree lot in order to raise money for the community and to spread holiday cheer. For over 25 years, the club has maintained the lot, selling over 1500 trees, wreaths, and garlands to benefit over 35 youth and community programs in southeast Denver. The lot is located in front of the Walmart Neighborhood Market on Monaco Parkway and is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. until December 23rd. On weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Santa Claus will be visiting the lot and taking pictures with children. One dollar from each tree sale will be donated to Childhood Cancer, an organization that is supported by the Optimist Club.
Proceeds from the sale will be used to help fund youth activities around Denver. “[The fundraiser] helps fund various elementary schools within Denver Public Schools to do programs that the school district doesn’t have enough money to fund,” said Tom Kramis, an Optimist Club member. This money helps to support programs in the arts, STEM labs, Super Citizen awards, and many other creative activities to enrich students’ school experiences.
The Optimist Club of Monaco South, started in 1976, extends support to many organizations around the community, including Brain Bowl tournaments, Colorado History Day, and activities along with the Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts. The club meets on Friday mornings, and first-time guests are welcomed with a free breakfast. “My family and I have been buying our Christmas trees every year from the optimists for about 30 years,” explained Matt Spampinato, CCTM director and new Optimist Club member. “Now that I’m semi-retired, I’m thrilled to be volunteering with the optimists myself and working at the tree lot.”
The Optimist Club Christmas tree lot is a great way to celebrate the holidays and to support local schools. “It’s really fun at this time of year to be selling these trees in the community when everyone who buys one knows that all of the money goes back to the kids in one way or another,” said Spampinato. “The Christmas-y atmosphere at the lot makes for a fun family outing to get your tree and support an awesome organization.”
