The weather outside was less than frightful, but members of the Worth Lions Club weren’t complaining.
“It is 57 degrees out,” said member Dan Feltz. “But it is a great day and there have been a few people who have come by today to look.”
The Worth Lions Club opened its traditional Christmas tree lot on Sunday. The lot is a familiar site to residents and motorists who travel past 116th and Harlem at this time of year.
Tony Zartler, a past president of the local Lions chapter, is in charge of the annual holiday tradition. He said the trees arrive from upper Michigan and they receive about 450 each year.
The trees — mostly Fraser firs and Scotch pines — are lined up in rows in the lot with red bows at the top and a message attached reminding everyone of the annual activities that the Worth Lions Club host and take part in.
Zartler was joined on Sunday by Feltz, Ed Urban, who is also the director of the village’s public works department, and John Dellorto.
Despite sunny skies and warmer temperatures, Zartler said that visitors still come by to look.
“We have had a few people come by today,” Zartler said. “A lot of people look for deals and many come back. But it starts to really pick up after Thanksgiving, on Friday.”
Feltz said that they received assistance that morning by members of the Shepard High School wrestling team, who assisted in lining up the trees.
“They really helped us out,” Feltz said. “Hey, they are younger and these guys are strong. It was really nice to have them come out.”
The four Lions Club members took advantage of the lighter day, spending most of the time in a white trailer that has the words “Worth Lions Club Christmas Tree Sales” along the front.
The members could look out to see when visitors came by to view the trees. They would then proceed to go out and greet them and answer any questions.
Lezek and Kasia, who preferred not to give their last names, strolled through the rows of trees. The Palos Hills couple said they were going for a walk along the nearby Cal Sag Canal trail and thought they would take a look.
“We just thought we would go and look because it was nice out,” Kasia said. “Maybe it’s better to buy a tree when it is warmer. Some people already have their trees up.”
Zartler said that many people do put their trees up early now. So, he would not be surprised if they sell a few before Thanksgiving. On Monday, Zartler said they sold some trees earlier in the day.
The Lions Club members said that selling the trees will continue until at least Dec. 21. The trailer they are in provides the comforts of home, with plenty of heat and a TV. They were watching the Bears game Sunday while looking to see if customers came by.
Zartler said that the sale of Christmas trees helps to provide funds for the blind and the club assisted in the “Ton of Food” Drive that took place Saturday in the village. The club also sponsors scholarships for students at Shepard and Stagg high schools.
The club also is one of the chief sponsors of the Shepard Leo Club. The Leo Club students assist in preparing meals for the Ronald McDonald House, host senior citizen dances, and help in programming at elementary schools and park districts.
The students also assist in selling the Christmas trees for the Worth Lions Club.
Zartler said that the club enjoys selling the trees because it makes people happy.
“A lot of people come from far away to purchase the trees,” Zartler said. “A lot of families come here every year because they enjoy it. For some, it reminds them of when they were young so they keep coming back. It is nostalgic for a lot of them.”
The Worth Lions Club Christmas tree lot is open from noon to 8 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends.
