With Christmas approaching quickly, the Kiwanis Club of Kirkland (KCK) is gearing up for their biggest fundraiser of the year. Since 1971, the club has sold Christmas trees, wreaths, gourmet nuts, delicious delights and See’s Candy, with all funds going to support the children of the Kirkland community.

The tree lot is located in the parking lot of Juanita Beach Park. It opens Friday, Nov. 25 (the day after Thanksgiving) and will stay open until Dec. 23 or until the trees are gone. Last year things sold out early, so be sure not to wait too long!

Tree Lot hours will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

All of the net proceeds go to programs designed to assist children and families that need help in our community. They include: Attain Housing, Key Club leadership conventions, student scholarships, Special Olympics, What’s Next Bowlers, Scouts, Kiwanis Camp Casey, Eastside Baby Corner, Kirkland Easter Egg Hunt, Kirkland Teen Union Building (KTUB), Boys and Girls Club and others.

In past years, funds also benefited the Eliminate Project, a joint effort between Kiwanis and UNICEF, whose goal was to eliminate neonatal tetanus that kills so many tiny newborns around the world. As of this year, Kiwanis International has reached its goal of $110 million dollars.

Every year during the holiday season, the KCK sponsors a donation drive for Eastside Baby Corner. As in past years, the usual drop off site is Merrill Gardens at 201 Kirkland Avenue, Kirkland. This year, KCK will be also accepting donations at the tree lot. If you wish to make a donation, please visit their website to see what items are in highest demand for this time of year.

You may also make a monetary contribution at www.babycorner.org.

If you would like more information about the Kiwanis Club of Kirkland, visit our website at www.kirkland.kiwanis.org or contact Tom Pendergrass, Secretary at (206) 920-1949

Bonni Sundberg is the marketing chair for the Kiwanis Club of Kirkland.