It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Local Rotarians preparing holiday wreaths
Jeremy C. Ruark
Lincoln County Leader
November 20, 2024

The annual Lincoln City Rotary Wreath Campaign is underway.
Local Rotarians are assembling and selling wreaths for the holidays.
The Lincoln County Leader reached out the Lincoln City Rotary Representative Dr. Estle Harlan for insight into this holiday tradition.

Lincoln County Leader: Where will the wreaths come from and approximately how many wreaths will you and your team assemble this season?
Estle Harlan: After many years of getting our wreaths from a small family company in Tillamook, they closed their business and we now get our wreaths from Teufel’s Holly Farm in Cornelius.

We have ordered 1,000 regular wreaths and 75 centerpieces, as well as several very large wreaths that are special orders. Our Rotary team will apply the cheery red bows at our work parties. There will be 500 regular wreaths, 75 center pieces and three large wreaths picked up on Nov. 16, and another 500 regular wreaths on Nov. 23. Shipped wreaths will go out on those two days (last year we shipped about 300 all over the US), and deliveries to local customers started Nov. 16.
Lincoln County Leader: We understand this project has been ongoing for approximately 31 years to raise funds for youth scholarships and other youth projects. How much annually is raised through the wreath project?
Harlan: Last year’s wreath fundraising – we gave out over $19,400 for scholarships and other youth programs in our community. We had sales of $44,650. We have not raised the price to customers this year even though our costs went up with the supplier, but we hope to match last year’s sales, and net close to the same amount.
Lincoln County Leader: Why is this such an endearing project and what is it about assembling the wreaths that you and your team enjoy?
Harlan: Our wreaths are the brand of Lincoln City Rotary Club, and they have been the “bright face of Christmas” in this city for over 35 years. Many of us have come to know our wreath customers as friends, and when personal calls are made to them each year, comments are heard like “I was waiting for your call! Now Christmas can begin!!” Folks love the wreaths, and they feel great about being involved in a fundraiser that helps our youth excel.

Lincoln County Leader: What is the range of wreath styles and the range of prices for the wreaths this season?
Harlan: The traditional 24-inch wreath is our brand, and for the last two years the price for customers has been $32 each for local deliveries. These wreaths may be shipped anywhere in the US for $52 each. We also have lovely candle centerpieces for the same $32 each, but they cannot be shipped.
Lincoln County Leader: We understand you have regular customers each holiday season ordering the wreaths. What different locations and how far away have you sent the wreaths through those orders?
Harlan: Most of our customers are “regulars,” although we reach out to new customers every year and love having them join in our endeavors. Shipped wreaths go to almost every state in the U.S., including Hawaii and Alaska.
Lincoln County Leader: Is there a social media address and/or phone number for anyone who might want to order the wreaths?
Harlan: Lincoln City Rotary has a website, the club has a Facebook page, and every member is selling wreaths. Information can be found for ordering through any of these means.
Lincoln County Leader: Feel free to add any other comments you might have.
Harlan: The people of Lincoln City and customers across the nation have been so faithful in supporting Rotary’s fundraiser for local youth programs and scholarships. Our hearts are full each year as we realize our combined efforts have made a difference in this corner of the world. We cannot fix life’s brokenness or hard places experienced by many, but we can bring joy and hope through our giving. That has kept Lincoln City Rotary feeling this annual wreath fundraiser is worth every bit of effort we all put into it!

We are grateful to have the use of the game room area at the Taft High School football stadium for wreath assembly and pick-ups.

News Source : https://rotarydistrict5110.com/assistant-governor/