Holly Farm donating 50 percent to schools

Marilyn Janz has been a familiar face for people shopping at the Spring Creek Holly Farm’s office in Leaburg.

LEABURG: The third season of the Give Back To Schools program will begin the day after Thanksgiving at the Spring Creek Holly Farm.

Once again, the business will donate 50% of its retail proceeds of Christmas tree sales to a school of the buyer’s choice.

The Give Back To Schools program started in 2010 when Spring Creek Holly Farm looked for a way to help local classes during the poor economy. In the initial year of the program, Spring Creek Holly Farm donated $2,500 to 38 local schools. Last year, donations rose to over $4,600 to 47 schools.

The top 5 recipients for the 2011 donations were: Thurston Elementary School $522, Charlemagne at Fox Hollow Elementary $516, Walterville Elementary School $516, McKenzie High School $468, and Ridgeview Elementary School $388.

The program works as follows: purchase a noble fir Christmas tree from Spring Creek Holly Farm between November 23 and Christmas Eve, tell Spring Creek Holly Farm the name of the school to donate to and at the end of the year that school will receive a donation of 50% of the retail price you paid for the tree. Trees are $4.00/ft so a 6’ tree would equal a donation of $12.00 to the school of your choice. All schools are eligible to participate, there are no limits and anyone or any group can purchase trees for a school.

“We tried to create a program to include as many schools as possible; buy a tree, tell us the school’s name, we will send the donation,” said Jim Russell, the holly farm’s director of operations.

“Our kids have benefited greatly from our local schools and we are proud to be able to help the schools with this program,” notes Gregg Melland, farm manager.

In addition to the Give Back To Schools Christmas tree program, Spring Creek Holly Farm offers hand made/locally grown holly wreaths, fir wreaths, table decorations, swags and holiday greenery. They also offer free hot apple cider, candy canes and coloring books for the kids.

“Spring Creek Holly Farm is happy we are able to support local schools and contribute to our young people’s education,” according to owner Richard Haake.

Spring Creek Holly Farm is located at 43137 McKenzie Highway, Leaburg. They are open the day after Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve, from 9 to 5, telephone (541) 896-3483. Additional information about Spring Creek Holly Farm can be found at http://www.schf.com or on Facebook under Spring Creek Holly Farm.