Jill Schramm/MDN Site coordinator Danielle Clements and Pastor Travis Hovde stand Nov. 22 next to a few of the fir trees that go on sale today at the “Buy a Tree. Change a Life” event hosted by Eagles Wings Community Fellowship.

For the sixth year, Eagles Wings Community Fellowship is giving area residents a chance to help others while acquiring for themselves that perfect tree for Christmas.

“It’s a way for us to bless people with a great Christmas tree and bless kids in our community and also globally,” said Pastor Travis Hovde.

The Minot church obtained 300 firs from a Michigan tree farm that it begins selling today through its participation in the “Buy a Tree. Change a Life” project. All proceeds are being split between Minot Youth for Christ and People for Care and Learning (PCL). PCL seeks to break the cycle of poverty in Southeast Asia, primarily in Cambodia. It includes providing support for orphanages and schools.

This year’s tree project has about 100 more trees available than last year, despite industry shortages, Hovde said.

“We had to fight hard to get 300 trees,” he said.

Sales will take place in the blue and white tent next to the church at 101 16th St. SW. The tent flap will open at 9 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. both Friday and Saturday. Going forward, the tent will be open from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. Up to two weeks have been set aside for sales, if necessary.

Even if not buying a tree, people are welcome to stop out and participate in the fun, said site coordinator Danielle Clements. There will be a photo booth, and hot chocolate, coffee, popcorn and doughnuts will be served.

Eagles Wings has a large selection of high-quality Fraser firs, along with some balsams. Tree sizes range from five to 12 feet. Wreaths and trimmings also are available. Tree delivery can be arranged for buyers who need special help.

People also can purchase a tree to donate to a military member or family. Eagles Wings will deliver the trees to Minot Air Force Base.

“That’s another just great way to be a part of this and bless some people,” Hovde said. “We need more military trees. We ran out way too fast last year.”

The church keeps prices as low as possible but welcomes donations over and above the price if people wish to support the charities further. Return customers will find price increases to be minimal, thanks to sponsors.

Clements said everything from the cost of bringing in the trees to the tent and the fuel to heat it were donated by community sponsors.

Hovde said this may be the first year that sponsorships cover all the costs, enabling 100% of proceeds to go to charity.

“We are incredibly grateful to the community,” he said. “It’s just fun to see the community step up. Some of these are businesses that are affiliated with our church, but most of them are not. It’s just people that over the years have now seen what we’ve done here and have wanted to be a part of it.”