Food bank receives trees in time for holidays

MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake Food Bank received dozens of trees just in the “Saint Nick” of time.

Spirit of Christmas Christmas Trees donated about 250 trees, large and small, Monday, for distribution to low income families.

The food bank planned to give the trees out Monday and Tuesday.

Assistant Executive Director Peny Archer said the food bank received trees in the past, but this is the largest donation so far.

Archer said plenty of families who utilize the food bank lack trees.

“You don’t have money for food and heat. The last thing you’re going to get is a tree,” she said.

The Sand Scorpions, Unchained Brotherhood and food bank volunteers helped transport trees to the food bank.

Jeff Silva, who owns Spirit of Christmas Christmas Trees  with his family, said the business donated money and trees to organizations through its locations in Ephrata, Moses Lake and Tri-Cities.

“I know there will probably be $13,000 donated when all is said and done,” Silva said.

The business offered a deal in which customers could donate $10 of their tree purchase to a charitable organization.

Moses Lake FFA, the Big Bend Community College nursing program, Moses Lake Grant County Humane Society and Columbia Basin Cancer Foundation are among organizations benefiting from donations.

Silva estimated 300 trees were donated to organizations.

He said his dad started the Christmas tree business and when his dad died, son Jacob wanted to keep the business going.

Sons Jacob and John, daughter Brittany, and Jacob’s girlfriend Ashley Howard, all helped during the season.

He noted Craig and Bonnie Schafer of Warden donated panels, Rick Penhallurick donated use of the Moses Lake lot, and North Central Washington Fence donated fencing.

Archer said she knows some trees will be left over after distribution. The extra trees will be discarded during an annual Sand Scorpions New Year’s Day celebration.