Volunteer Groups' Christmas Tree Sales Aid Church, Fire Departments

This time of year, fire house backyard and church side lot become a place of bustling activity, as folks head out to buy Christmas trees.

In places such as Silverton Fire Company, Substation on Hooper Avenue, and , selling Christmas trees is a tradition going on for years.

The sales serve as a fundraiser for the organizations, while their properties turn into winter wonderlands of Balsalm, White Pine, Douglas Fir and Blue Spruce for sale.

We headed over to Silverton Fire Company last week before they sold out, to see what this year's sale had in store.

Silverton Fire Company, located at , Toms River, offered 6' to 10' trees. The fire company sells fresh cut trees each year in order to raise funds for the upkeep of their fire house and lifesaving equipment.

Fire Chief Bob Sinnott said the fire company sold more than 400 trees at an average price of $45 each. How does a non-profit's tree prices compare to retails' prices? Brittany Flatley of Toms River said "They're awesome. Other places are like $65-75." Flatley has been coming to the sale for at least four years.

Silverton sold its trees daily, on evenings Monday through Friday, and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends. Customers even had trees delivered to their home by Santa Claus himself at no extra cost.