By KALEY CONNER

kconner@dailynews.net

For some, purchasing a fresh Christmas tree from the Hays Optimist Club's lot is more than a charitable contribution -- it's a tradition.

The local civic group has made tree sales one of its largest fundraisers for at least 25 years, and sees many regular customers, said Bob Helm, a member of the club.

"It kind of gets everybody in the Christmas spirit," Helm said. "Including us."

The lot is located in Walmart's parking lot north of Interstate 70 and features a variety of tree species and sizes. The group has 325 trees to sell this year and hopes to stay open until all are sold, Helm said.

The club has about 50 members, who take turns working shifts. Not even nearly a foot of snow can get in their way. Volunteers were out with snow blowers Wednesday to clear out the lot from Tuesday's storm.

They covered the trees and closed shop Tuesday but will be open regular hours the rest of the week. The lot is open from 3 to 8 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekends.

Last year, the group sold out of trees about a week before Christmas, and more than one-third of this year's inventory already has been purchased, said Greg Swob, who is chairman of this year's tree project.

"Charlie Brown did not get his tree from us," Swob said with a chuckle. "They are all beautiful trees."

In its peak year, the club sold more than 2,000 trees. That was many years ago, and numbers have decreased as some households have switched to artificial trees. But in light of environmental concerns and a widespread interest in recycling, the group is optimistic that trend could reverse, Helm said.

Proceeds from the sale will benefit various local youth groups, including Big Brothers Big Sisters and scouts. Not all customers purchase a tree. Many choose simply to offer a monetary donation.

"All the money stays local," Helm said. "That makes a big difference to a lot of people."