Father-Son Duo Turns Christmas Trees into Funds for High School Baseball
A unique fundraising effort in Northwest Arkansas is benefiting the Gravette High School baseball team, turning discarded Christmas trees into vital resources for student-athletes and bolstering local fish populations. A father and son are leading the charge, collecting trees and repurposing them in an environmentally conscious way.
A contactless tree pickup initiative, launched during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, has proven remarkably successful. Over the past three years, the project has generated more than $5,000 for the Gravette High School baseball program.
From Holiday Décor to Fish Habitat
Chris Murphy and his son, Kyle Murphy, are the driving force behind this innovative fundraiser. Rather than sending old Christmas trees to landfills, they collect them and transport them to area lakes. There, local fishermen strategically sink the trees, creating valuable habitats for fish. This practice provides shelter and breeding grounds, enhancing the aquatic ecosystem.
Boosting the Baseball Program
The funds raised are directly impacting the Gravette High School baseball team. According to a senior player, “It helps the high school get a lot of cool stuff and helps us get better as a team as well.” The financial support has enabled the team to upgrade its equipment, most notably with the purchase of a new pitching machine.
A Senior’s Commitment
Kyle Murphy, a senior at Gravette High School, is committed to continuing his baseball career at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas. He embodies the spirit of the program, and the fundraising efforts are directly contributing to his and his teammates’ success. The initiative not only provides financial assistance but also fosters a sense of community and shared purpose.
This creative fundraising model demonstrates a commitment to both athletic development and environmental stewardship, proving that even after the holidays, Christmas trees can continue to give back to the community.
