Moorpark High School to Open Christmas Tree Lot

If you catch yourself wondering about the ladies and gentleman standing in the Staples parking lot wearing bright yellow shirts emblazoned with the phrase, “Blood, Sweat, and Musketeers,” have no fear. It’s just the Moorpark Band Boosters and their roadies.

For a fifth year, the Moorpark Band Boosters will be holding their Christmas tree sale to raise funds for the Moorpark High School Instrumental Music programs. The profits from the sale will go to help the Booster Association cover the costs of band equipment, supplies, instrument repairs, instructors, uniforms, sheet music, and other necessities to keep the Instrumental Music programs running. 

“Due to the continuing economic challenges and other factors, the music program needs to raise funds,” said Mike Engstrom, one of the parent volunteers. “Part of the reason we do the tree lot is that many people will buy a tree every year and this provides people in the local community a chance to help the program while getting something they were already going to buy.”

The students also work as volunteers at the lot. Bruce Rokos, another parent volunteer explained how this particular volunteering experience was great for the kids. 

“The students who work the lot are volunteering their time in exchange for the community support of the lot. The community should be aware that the students are working the tree lot, which helps build character and business skills.” 

Rokos also noted that selling these Christmas trees helped kids understand the responsibility of running a business. 

“Kids that are having their first tree lot experience are exposed to such diversities as unloading the trucks when they arrive, setting up the lot, connecting with the customers to find the perfect tree, watering the trees, working in adverse weather conditions and providing customer service.”

Chris Tucker, the president of the Moorpark High School Instrumental Music Booster Association, wanted to remind Moorpark community about their efforts to help support the high school’s music program. 

“Through our efforts, we are able to support our children’s musical education at MHS and provide opportunities for all the instrumental music groups and the color guard performers to participate in marching band competitions, concert band festivals, jazz festivals, and general performances held at the school.”

This year, the lot will be offering 6 to 7 foot Noble Firs from Oregon for $59. The monetary goal the Boosters hope to reach is $20,000. Along with trees, reusable tree stands will be available, and delivery within Moorpark is only an additional $10.

On Fridays, the Moorpark Girl Scouts will also be selling mistletoe at the lot.

The lot will be located for the third year in a row at the Village at Moorpark Shopping Center in the Staples Office Supply parking lot at 742 West Los Angeles Ave. They’ll be open for business beginning November 26, the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The hours of operattion will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends.