GOLDEN VALLEY, Minn. — Black Friday shopping for a Christmas tree may sound like an idyllic family tradition, but it can feel more like a chore in less than idyllic weather.
"Exactly, not today," said Liz Villarrealno, who made a brief stop to pick up a tree at the Good Shepherd School in Golden Valley on Friday. "But it will be fun to be inside in the warmth decorating it tonight... if it unthaws."
Despite the frigid temps and windchill, the nonprofit saw plenty of traffic at its annual Christmas tree fundraising kickoff.
"We're staying warm here by the burn barrel but we're having a great time," said Joey Tarlson, who helps staff the tree lot as part of the Good Shepherd Men's Club. "We are all fathers of kids who go to Good Shepherd School here in Golden Valley."
Proceeds from the tree sales go to the school and the community at large, including a special program that provides 25-30 Christmas trees to families in need.
"We usually hear through the parish, or the school or the people that see us on the news that they either themselves, or the have a friend or a family member in need, that could use a little bit of Christmas cheer," Tarlson said. "That's why we're here. We're all volunteers, we're all dads at the school and we're just here to bring a little Christmas cheer."
For more information on the Good Shepherd Tree Lot and Christmas Market fundraisers, click here.
YMCA Christmas Tree Fundraisers
The YMCA of the North has been selling Christmas Trees to help raise funds for going on 100 years. This year, that includes tree lots in three locations around the Twin Cities, including the Blaisdell YMCA in Minneapolis.
"All of the proceeds stay here in South Minneapolis for our location," said executive director Lucia Strand.
All that green will help fund scholarships for kids and families to attend camps, lessons and afford memberships.
Another heartwarming reason to come out and shop on an otherwise frigid day.
"It's been cold but we've been very busy," Strand said. "We've probably already sold about 75 trees and about 25 wreaths."
For hours and locations for the YMCA Christmas tree lots, click here.