To Tree or Not to Tree

By Misty Cryer

Members of the Assistance League of Carlsbad are busy preparing for their annual Christmas Tree Auction, a fundraiser that helps them provide much-needed services to communities in Eddy County. Prior to the auction, interested buyers can attend an open house for a sneak peek of what will be up for bid.

The open house is scheduled for November 9 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., with the Christmas Tree Auction beginning at 6 p.m. on November 14. Both events are at the Assistance League of Carlsbad’s Chapter House, 1100 N. Canal St.

“With these funds, we are able to purchase brand new clothing for thousands of kids every year,” said Crystal Montoya, President of the Assistance League of Carlsbad. She said they also have a program that awards scholarships to graduating high school seniors, and another that provides clothing to victims of assault. “It’s called the ASK program; they are called assault survivor kits,” she said, explaining that it includes brand-new clothing because the victim’s clothing is usually withheld for evidence.

“We have 26 Christmas trees that are decorated by our members,” said Montoya. “Every year, it is usually the same members who decorate the trees. This year, we have many new members who have stepped up to decorate trees for the first time, and they have done a great job,” she said.

At the auction, Montoya explained that each tree starts at $750 and that personal buyers come in and bid on the trees, actually purchasing the ornaments from the tree. “The person who decorated the tree will then take the ornaments down and go put it up wherever the buyer wants,” she said.

Many of the buyers donate the purchases to non-profits such as the Boys and Girls Club, nursing homes, or the senior rec center, Montoya said. “It’s up to the decorator to communicate that with the buyer to see where that tree needs to be decorated.”

The centerpieces that are used for decorations at the Christmas Tree Auction are also auctioned off, said Montoya.

“We have a really fun Grinch tree that is always a popular one. We have some that are very traditional in red and gold. There is a fiesta-themed tree—it has a sombrero on top—it’s really cute,” said Montoya. “I am working on a hot cocoa tree. It’s called Merry and Mocha.”

Other themes she has seen so far include a flamingo-themed tree and a patriotic tree.

“Our main mission with the Assistance League is Operation School Bell,” said Montoya. “With that, we try to ensure that school children who are underprivileged have clothing that they need to start the school year with confidence,” she said, explaining that it is mainly to help them focus on learning without the distraction or stigma of not having what society says is the proper attire.

Through the Operation School Bell program, Montoya said, school kids are provided with five shirts, two pairs of jeans, a jacket, socks and underwear for the week, a pair of shoes, a hygiene kit, and a book, specifying that all of the clothing is brand new. “We partner with Faith Hope and Love, and they give all of the students a backpack filled with school supplies,” she said.

Throughout the year, Montoya added, there are emergency situations for which the schools are aware to contact the Assistance League to help. “It’s not just a one-and-done thing. We provide school clothing throughout the year as needed for emergency situations,” she said.

“I want to say thank you for the generosity of our community because the success of the Christmas Tree Auction means that we can continue providing for the children of Eddy County,” said Montoya.

“We are always looking for ways to grow and do more,” she said, encouraging people to get involved, whether it is through donations, volunteering, or attending the open house.

For more information or to get an invitation to the Christmas Tree Auction, Montoya said contact information and details are available on the Assistance League of Carlsbad’s Facebook page.